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

MAL sets up new Integrated Land Management Committee

frank short 08-May-2021

The Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock through the Integrated Forest Management Project (IFMP) of which the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO)

Villagers receive training on forest management in Choiseul Province

frank short 08-May-2021

More than 80 men and women of the Southern Mount Maetabe catchment area (Babatana rainforest catchment area) in Choiseul Province have successfully at

Women taught backyard gardening skills to aid home food production

frank short 08-May-2021

Last week in Honiara a facilitator from the Kastom Gaden Association explained to women participants from the local YWCA the different kinds of p

World Tuna Day marked with recognition of the significance of tuna to the Solomon Islands

frank short 08-May-2021

On 2 May, World Tuna Day, relevant stakeholders in the Tuna Industry in the SI gathered to mark the celebration of the occasion aimed at reflecti

A five-year urban development plan for the Pacific

frank short 08-May-2021

Radio New Zealand today reported that the Asian Development Bank (ADB) has a five-year plan to help Pacific countries improve their urban development,

The Chinese (PRC) government has various schemes to aid its disabled citizens, according to Nanjing University.

frank short 07-May-2021

The Hon Prime Minister spoke at the ground breaking ceremony for the 2023 Pacific Games on Wednesday this week and predicted in the next 24 months, th

RSIPF to receive new patrol boat today

frank short 07-May-2021

In Perth, Western Australia, today, Solomon Islands High Commissioner based in Canberra, Robert Sisilo will witness the handover ceremony of the secon

Preserving conservation in Malaita Province with green development

frank short 07-May-2021

The Island Sun newspaper today published an article which said the MAI-MAASINA Green Belt (MMGB) has thanked the Malaita provincial government for hel

Bananas as a traditional food crop could become a profitable marketing commodity

frank short 07-May-2021

Makira-Ulawa Premier, Julian Maka’a has said bananas are a traditional food crop that must not be ignored in the Government’s efforts to d

Australia gives S37 million to assist vital operations in the SI

frank short 07-May-2021

Australia has provided an additional AUD6 million (SBD$37 Million) to keep Solomon Airlines in the air and to help Solomon Water deliver water to vuln

Solomon Islands one of the top countries for seasonal workers in Australia

frank short 07-May-2021

A press release from the Australian High Commission published in today’s Island Sun newspaper said the Solomon Islands is now one of the to

Solomon Islands protecting leatherback sea turtles with support from Britain

frank short 06-May-2021

Solomon Islands, a country with one of the world’s most extensive shorelines, has taken a step towards conserving the nesting beaches and protec

Challenges putting the agricultural sector under pressure

frank short 06-May-2021

According to news reported in today’s copy of the Island Sun newspaper the country’s State of Environment Report has highlighted that

Vanilla farming fulfilling a primary objective proposed in 2014

frank short 06-May-2021

In September 2019, I wrote encouraging local Solomon Islands farmers to start growing vanilla due to increasing global demand. This is what I wrote

Township Development Project described as a historic milestone

frank short 06-May-2021

Last Friday during the groundbreaking ceremony of the Mamara Township Development Project the Prime Minister said the project was a historic milestone

Is there planning provided in the new Mamara City Development project for a medical centre on site?

frank short 06-May-2021

The Guadalcanal Premier, Francis Mbelande Sade officiated at the launching of the multi-million-dollar Mamara New City project in North West Guadalcan

Preparations begin for the construction of Solomon Islands national stadium

frank short 06-May-2021

Construction on the new Solomon Islands national stadium in Honiara is set to get underway this week as preparations for the 2023 Pacific Games move u

Long-awaited New Zealand-Cook Islands travel bubble to start 17 May

frank short 06-May-2021

The Cook Islands bubble will open later this month, allowing two-way quarantine-free travel between both countries, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has

World Tuna Day: What does it mean for the Pacific?

frank short 04-May-2021

Radio New Zealand today featured a personal perspective on World Tuna Day written by a professional tuna expert, scientist and institutional fisheries

Floods hampering Covid-19 response in Fiji

frank short 04-May-2021

I believe there are many in the Solomon Islands with family and friends in Fiji and who will have concerns for the ongoing situation in the country as

New drug for sufferers of breast cancer being administered in the United Kingdom

frank short 04-May-2021

The Solomon Islands has reportedly regained its Covid free status and one must give credit to all concerned for this achievement, the SIG, the MHMS, t

Fiji tightens lockdown as Covid cases rise

frank short 04-May-2021

The Solomon Islands is now Covid free but the Fiji's government has taken the most drastic measures since Covid-19 hit the country in March

Arctic glaciers may be melting sooner than thought

frank short 04-May-2021

To small islands states in the Pacific, and the Solomon Island’s low lying islands and exposed atolls are no exception, climate change is a real

A new city in the making with the Mamara project

frank short 04-May-2021

In a week in which I have put the focus on job opportunities and job creation for local people the Mamara City project is said to employ 800 local peo

Bina Harbour onshore processing plant with the economy and job prospects in mind

frank short 03-May-2021

Last December, when speaking in Parliament, the Minister of Fisheries and Marine Resources MFMR), Nestor Ghiro said initial work on the proposed Bina

Pre-Employment (PET) training commences at the Tina River Development Project Office

frank short 03-May-2021

In a letter that I wrote to the local media yesterday, Tuesday, I expressed my hopes about what I saw as growing employment opportunities for Solomon

Advancing disability rights in the Solomon Islands

frank short 03-May-2021

I am contributing this piece very much as a “sounding board” in the hope there will follow some advice, information and guidance forthcomi

Diet is shown to lower diabetes and cardiovascular risk to boost health and lifespan

frank short 03-May-2021

The Prime Minister recently paid a visit to the site of the various sports venues being readied for the 2023 Pacific Games in Honiara.

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