Pacific Predictions 2022!

Frank Short 10-Jan-2022

Election watchers will have plenty to keep them occupied during 2022, as the people of both Fiji and Papua New Guinea head to the polls.

Looking at the Covid-19 threat to the Solomon Islands and regionally

Frank Short 10-Jan-2022

The Western Border represents a potential source of Covid-19 incursion into the country.

Reflections

Frank Short 09-Jan-2022

I refer to ‘family’ purposely because I have only ever recognised Melanesian brothers and sisters and only observed and honoured one natio

Delta and Omicron Covid-19 Variant Cases – the wider perspective and implications

Frank Short 09-Jan-2022

Australia is learning about exponential growth the hard way, and is rapidly closing in on 1 million Covid-19 cases since the start of the pandemic.

Vaccination rates and countering false information on inoculation for Covid prevention

Frank Short 09-Jan-2022

While the health care system at home is in need of improvement, I do not believe that Solomon islanders generally do not trust the government to provi

Boating incident in the Solomon Islands on New Years Day

Frank Short 08-Jan-2022

Police said safety at sea starts with one person and if people were not too sure, they should stay ashore.

Govt increases PCDF in this year’s budget

Frank Short 08-Jan-2022

The Provincial Meeting took place in Auki on the 22nd of December 2021.

MRD says they have continued to implement various programs over the years, but admit that they could have done better in terms of public relations

Frank Short 07-Jan-2022

The MRD says this is despite the negative publicity pushed by some on social media.

The tragedy of sea accidents and the repetitive loss of lives in boating incidents demands legislation and operation procedures for boat owners

Frank Short 06-Jan-2022

 Sadly the body of a female passenger from that same craft has been found by police and recovered from the sea

RSIPF working to arrest and charge alleged instigators of recent riots and civil disorder incidents

Frank Short 06-Jan-2022

Ms.Leta also confirmed that the recent arrest of local businessman, John Kwaita is also related to the alleged November 2021 unrest.

Boat travellers missing at sea - a tragedy calling for urgent enforceable legislation

Frank Short 06-Jan-2022

He says luckily, they received coverage signals from one of the towers within Lau area and they alerted relatives in Honiara of the situation.

Members of St Albans Parish visits the Children’s ward at the NRH

Frank Short 05-Jan-2022

According to Vice Chairman, Boniface Supa the aim of their visit is to give back to communities as a Christian nation.

Dialogue between SIG and Mara

Frank Short 05-Jan-2022

Representing MPG was Premier Daniel Suidani, his nine executive members and Deputy Provincial Secretary (DPS) MPG.

SI Governor-General has called for a review of the secondary school fee system in the country

Frank Short 05-Jan-2022

Details of the Governor-Generals nationwide speech were published by the Island Sun newspaper today, from which I quote.

Missing sea travellers in the Solomon Islands found safe and well.

Frank Short 05-Jan-2022

Auki Police Operation Manager Michael Ramosaea says the boat was found and everyone onboard was fine

Pressure mounts on Australian hospitals, ambulances and testing stations as tens of thousands new Covid cases occurring daily

Frank Short 05-Jan-2022

The Victoria figures mark another record-breaking jump in infections, surpassing Tuesday's tally of 14,020.

Solomon Islands mourns the sad and untimely passing of a Eco-tourism pioneer

Frank Short 04-Jan-2022

Condolences to the late Mr. Pazo’s family, friends, colleagues and to Tourism Solomons and staff.

Advice on safety measures for the possibility of Covid-19 reaching Solomon’s shores

Frank Short 04-Jan-2022

Prime Minister Sogvare last week advised citizens of the Solomon Islands to be prepared for Covid-19 and to begin practicing safety measures.

Hospitalisations, Covid numbers hit new peaks in New South Wales

Frank Short 04-Jan-2022

Daily infections have hit a new high and are inching closer to the projected 25,000 mark foreshadowed by NSW Health Minister Brad Hazzard last month.

How long is Omicron’s incubation period? How it differs from Delta and other Covid variants

Frank Short 03-Jan-2022

Shortness of breath has also been reported in more severe cases, which has been seen to last for as long as 13 days after.

New technology must be adopted to change life and work for the better in a future Solomon Islands

Frank Short 03-Jan-2022

The use of technology in education increases the level of accuracy in educational materials to a higher standard.

A very sad story that has left its mark on 2021

Frank Short 02-Jan-2022

"About sixty children from this village have died before reaching the nearest health centre.”

A sobering message to all those unvaccinated against Covid-19

Frank Short 02-Jan-2022

"The situation isn't dramatic," Joseph Cheek, a project manager for the International Polar Foundation, told the BBC.

NSW records 18,278 new Covid-19 cases and two deaths as number of people in hospital tops 1000

Frank Short 02-Jan-2022

Hospitalisations have risen to 1066, up from 901 in the previous reporting period, with 83 patients in intensive care.

Hopes for the Solomon Islands at the start of 2022

Frank Short 01-Jan-2022

I see the need for four principles of ethical journalism and encourage MASI to encourage their use by all those engaged in the local media.

Promoting the Solomon Islands

Frank Short 01-Jan-2022

The recent Dubai Expo proved there is an interest in the Solomon Island’s export products.

Revenue postage stamps of the Solomon Islands

Frank Short 01-Jan-2022

The art of stamp collecting by agents and individuals remains strong and some countries receive considerable income from the production and sale of it

South Africa holds state funeral for the late Archbishop Desmond Tutu

Frank Short 01-Jan-2022

Tutu was awarded the Nobel prize in 1984 for his role in the struggle to abolish the apartheid system.

Covid-19 cases: NSW numbers almost double again with 21,151 infections, six deaths

Frank Short 31-Dec-2021

Mr. Hazzard cited modelling from the University of New South Wales which predicted a rapid increase in virus transmission.

SAN ISIDRO CARE CENTRE IS DOUBLING EGG PRODUCTION FROM ITS POULTRY UNIT TO SUPPORT UPKEEP

Frank Short 31-Dec-2021

They produce 250 trays of egg weekly, generating $7000 SBD income a week to support the school.

New Zealand recognizes Solomon Islander with the Queen’s Service Medal

Frank Short 31-Dec-2021

Solomon Islander Glorious Oxenham has been awarded a QSM, in New Zealand’s New Year Honours, for services to Melanesian culture.

Last surviving member of 28th Maori Battalion to be knighted

Frank Short 31-Dec-2021

He doesn't want the spotlight either, nor the attention and praise that comes with being made Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit.

China has funded a new vehicle for Ulukolu Coperative Society.

Frank Short 30-Dec-2021

“With this, I urged you to please take good care of this vehicle and respect leaders that are given authority to look after it,” Maneka sa

Non lethal riot equipment handed over to the RSIPF

Frank Short 30-Dec-2021

Supervising Minister Mr. Mua says, “I do understand that this batch of consignment is part of a larger batch, which will be delivered in the com

The Omicron variant of Covid has the potential to spread very quickly in Solomon Island because vaccination rates are extremely low.

Frank Short 30-Dec-2021

The variant has the potential to spread very quickly in Solomon Island because our rate of vaccination is extremely low.

Putting the latest local news on Covid-19 into perspective on a global scale

Frank Short 29-Dec-2021

He urges all members of the public to take precautionary measures and start wearing masks in public places and public transports.

Creating the Tawatana Conservation Forest area in Makira Ulawa Province as a Protected Area with support from World Vision

Frank Short 29-Dec-2021

Creating the Tawatana Conservation Forest area in Makira Ulawa Province as a Protected Area with support from World Vision

Caring for men’s health in the Solomon Islands.

Frank Short 29-Dec-2021

Current treatments for prostate cancer can involve surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, or testosterone inhibitors. Some of which have severe side-eff

When will the National Referral Hospital (NRH) get its own budget?

Frank Short 28-Dec-2021

Referrals are rare these days because there is no money to cover the transfers and the medical costs overseas.

Fiji reopened but is now bracing for a Covid-19 third wave

Frank Short 28-Dec-2021

;"If a variant is transmissible enough, stringent border and community measures will only delay the inevitable entry and spread of current an

Eighteen kak? chicks hatch over three days

Frank Short 27-Dec-2021

The kak?, or black stilt, are critically endangered and found mostly in the Mackenzie Basin in South Canterbury.

Sydney pathology clinic sends another 995 negative COVID-19 results in error

Frank Short 27-Dec-2021

SydPath has apologised for the mistake and has contacted those affected.

Man died, another in critical condition after allegedly tampering with UXO on Christmas Eve

Frank Short 27-Dec-2021

The tragic incident occurred the eastern side of Hells Point, close to Tenaru area on Christmas Eve, 24 December 2021, a Police statement confirm

Covid-19: Testing sites in Australia pushed to limit across multiple states

Frank Short 27-Dec-2021

;Reports from Radio New Zealand today say the Christmas holiday season has piled major pressure on testing sites across various Australian states.<

Suspected Omicron and Delta Cases Detected in Solomon Islands and Omicron reported in China and the USA

Frank Short 27-Dec-2021

The two tested positive during routine tests at one of the managed isolation centers in Honiara.

Death announced of Archbishop Desmond Tutu

Frank Short 26-Dec-2021

During the flight we spoke briefly and the Archbishop kindly gave me his autograph on the reverse of my air ticket

Sea Ambulances

Frank Short 26-Dec-2021

Could I and readers be given some latest information of the numbers of sea ambulances now in service and where they might operate from in the provinci

A much deserved thank you to World Vision in the Solomon Islands

Frank Short 26-Dec-2021

WVSI works to protect children from natural disasters by building organizational and community capacity to prepare for, mitigate against and respond t

A Christmas message with words of encouragement

Frank Short 25-Dec-2021

In the pursuit of national unity, leaders must be guided by the values of justice graciousness, morality and truthfulness

Omicron up to 70% less likely to need hospital care, UK study shows 24 December 2021

Frank Short 24-Dec-2021

People catching Omicron are 50 percent to 70 percent less likely to need hospital care compared with previous variants, a major analysis says.

Could Singapore’s success as a nation guide the Solomon Islands in brokering better relationships for a united country?

Frank Short 24-Dec-2021

Unlike the Solomon Islands it has a tiny land mass and today has an estimated population of 5.45 million.

Solomon Islands government accepts China's offer to assist the RSIPF with non lethal riot equipment

Frank Short 23-Dec-2021

The Government and people of Solomon Islands reiterate heartfelt thoughts to all impacted by last month’s civil unrest.

COVID-19 Pill approved by FDA. Can Solomon Islands acquire and see the benefits?

Frank Short 22-Dec-2021

If approved, the pill could be on the market in "a matter of months", MPP policy chief Esteban Burrone told AFP.

New knowledge on rheumatic fever leads to call for more screening

Frank Short 22-Dec-2021

A team of medical experts from New Zealand and Australia have found skin infections are likely a significant cause of rheumatic fever.

COVID-19 is real and still poses a threat to the Solomon Islands

Frank Short 22-Dec-2021

“We are blessed not to have registered a single case of death although we have twenty (20) reported cases.

SIPA staff give presents to sick children at the NRH and victims of domestic violence in the care of a Christian Care Centre

Frank Short 21-Dec-2021

The Ports staff shared words of prayers and words of encouragement with the children and their parents at the ward.

A closing year's observations and commentary

Frank Short 21-Dec-2021

Thirteen cases of the variant have now been picked up in managed isolation and quarantine.

The MEHRD is under pressure to deal with youths

Frank Short 20-Dec-2021

This came after 33 juveniles of the 217 people were arrested on the initial stage of the unrest.

NRH gives recognition to its staff for their efforts, dedication and commitment

Frank Short 20-Dec-2021

“Our mission is to provide each patient we serve with quality care that should be affordable and accessible,” he said.

Chinese families assisted by faith based organizations in Honiara.

Frank Short 19-Dec-2021

The final round of local food assistance will be on the 22nd December 2021, and will continue depending on the needs of the affected families.

New deadly strain of Omicron and a suggested move forward on dealing with the Covid pandemic in New Zealand

Frank Short 18-Dec-2021

Writing only 4 days ago in the Solomon Times Online Samson Sade warned about the latest and 5th strain of Covid-19 and called Omicron.

COVID-19 – the Pacific Response: 2021 in Review

Frank Short 17-Dec-2021

Tough times remain ahead, but hope should rise that the Pacific will emerge from the buffering it has suffered during the pandemic.

A demonstration by the AFP of the new weapons capability for the Police Response Team of the RSIPF

Frank Short 17-Dec-2021

The article went on to say how the demonstration was phased, and I quote but using some words in the past tense.

Progress with South East Vella Constituency Economic Growth Centre

Frank Short 17-Dec-2021

Construction workers were busy with five new buildings that will house some of the important services at the center.

A combination therapy cuts risk of heart attacks and strokes in half, research shows

Frank Short 16-Dec-2021

International experts and organizations welcomed the results as good news for people at risk of CVD.

One nation, one people, one flag but also provisioned and dedicated to heath care and treatment for all as priorities

Frank Short 16-Dec-2021

It is a political piece, as said, and it will be for readers to see, contemplate and consider as valuable advice, or not.

PM: Emphasises the importance of one nation and one people

Frank Short 16-Dec-2021

Our Nation Solomon Islands Stands Forevermore”, the Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare strongly emphasised.

Communities receive fishing devices (FAD)

Frank Short 16-Dec-2021

 He said the FADs were deployed in the first week of this month and people are now catching fish and benefiting from them.

Solomon Islands Government announces initiatives

Frank Short 16-Dec-2021

Tourism Minister Bartholomew Parapolo confirmed this during the Sine Die motion in Parliament last week.

Solomon Islands: Emergency supplies arrive for families

Frank Short 16-Dec-2021

"And there are families who will receive emergency shelter tool kits as well."

Gizo sick patients receive a visit and Christmas gifts from PM

Frank Short 16-Dec-2021

The team visited every ward, presenting gifts as well as encouraging the sick to have faith and also wishing them speedy recovery.

New NZ fund to help Pacific recover from Covid-19

Frank Short 16-Dec-2021

Government officials plan to go to market early next year to speak with those interested in managing the fund.

BLAME GAME

Frank Short 15-Dec-2021

Australia has a reputation for a “fair go.” but to my way of thinking it was nothing but bureaucracy at its worst and no chance of a

The Sub Judice rules

Frank Short 14-Dec-2021

There appeared a report with a photograph in the edition of the Solomon Star this morning with the headline ‘Alleged Instigator to Face Court.

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