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.

Tourism to Help Pacific Growth Redound in 2022: ADB Report

Frank Short 14-Dec-2021

The economies of the Pacific are set to rebound in 2022, according to the latest issue of the Asian Development Bank’s (ADB) Pacific Economic Mo

Intelligence Gathering

Frank Short 14-Dec-2021

The Councillor for Vura Ward, Reginald Ngati, is reported in the Solomon Star newspaper today have having said Vura Ward within Honiara City will

Aussies supporting the National Referral Hospital with life-saving treatments

Frank Short 13-Dec-2021

Australia has provided a three-month supply of essential medicines for the National Referral Hospital (NRH).

US, Australia and Japan to Fund Undersea Cable in the Pacific

Frank Short 12-Dec-2021

The three Western allies said they would develop the cable to provide faster internet to Nauru, Kiribati and the Federated States of Micronesia.

Local noni farmer claims losses of thousands of dollars

Frank Short 12-Dec-2021

More than 4,000 noni trees now lay waste when the main local buyer stopped purchasing noni fruit.

Public order policing and procedural handling

Frank Short 12-Dec-2021

In the coming weeks, there might come more clarity on the manner tear gas was fired recently in Honiara and until then one should not jump to conclusi

Funding arrangements and procedures for offshore medical treatment must get priority attention

Frank Short 11-Dec-2021

I wrote requesting details of the SIF’s bank account to advise the SFA but got no reply.

Solomon Islands news stories in focus today

Frank Short 11-Dec-2021

There are four main news stories of interest in print today which I would like to quote and share with readers.

Black Friday” news stories

Frank Short 10-Dec-2021

Here are concerning matters that have been featured locally, and I will give the details.

Honouring a pledge.

Frank Short 10-Dec-2021

The Facebook article with photographs quickly disappeared for some unknown reason but not before I read a message saying the police was there to help

The other side to the Solomon Islands

Frank Short 10-Dec-2021

The rioting was confined to Honiara, albeit political differences linger across in Malaita and between the central government.

Unsolicited thanks for the doctors and nurses of the NRH’s Surgical Ward

Frank Short 09-Dec-2021

I am very happy to share with readers the following unsolicited letter posted today to my Facebook page by John Kabu from the Solomon Islands.

Solomon Islands serving government Minister concedes that corruption is being practiced by MPs

Frank Short 09-Dec-2021

In Parliament we talk to ourselves that we don’t do anything for Solomon Islands.

Refuting claims against the NRH and highlighting matters needing attention

Frank Short 09-Dec-2021

The CT scan building at the NRH has been completed with an investment and is government owned, worth $17m.

SI’s Women officially recognised amongst recipients of the UNEP 2021 Champions of the Earth Environmental Honours

Frank Short 09-Dec-2021

Since 2005, the UN’s highest environmental honour has been awarded to the world’s most dynamic environmental leaders.

NRH and GSH records increase in diarrheal cases

Frank Short 08-Dec-2021

Households are also encouraged to store foods properly and safely away from flies.

NRH’s Overseas Referral Programme with a renewed focus on help for sick patients awaiting offshore medical attention and treatment

Frank Short 08-Dec-2021

That outreach programme stopped some years ago and, despite talk, never re-commenced.

A salute to the Solomon Islands Red Cross

Frank Short 07-Dec-2021

The Red Cross Society in the Solomon Islands is responding cautiously to the humanitarian crisis brought on by recent political unrest.

Promised delivery of the Beulah mini hydro project.

Frank Short 07-Dec-2021

The Gori Gori dam supplies water to the Beulah Mini Hydro project

Non violent lead up to ‘Vote of No Confidence’, statement on Chinese grants and a call for ongoing peaceful resolution of issues

Frank Short 07-Dec-2021

There were no unlawful gatherings in and around the city yesterday during the Motion of No Confidence against the Prime Minister.

Snippets of news claimed from today’s vote of No Confidence debate in SI National Parliament.

Frank Short 06-Dec-2021

Arising from the proceedings in Parliament, I noted two (claimed) statements, which I will quote.

It's time to deliver on climate financing, says Cook Islands PM

Frank Short 06-Dec-2021

We live with undeniable evidence to back up the science. Most of you who follow the climate change discourse know our story.

Rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease in the Solomon Islands

Frank Short 05-Dec-2021

While preoccupied with concerns over RHD, I read today some news about a possible vaccine being studied by the University of Aukland which gives me ho

Police and Defence Forces personnel in Honiara to maintain the peace after recent unrest in the capital

Frank Short 05-Dec-2021

They are part of a regional peacekeeping force that also includes teams from Australia, Papua New Guinea, and Fiji.

Half a Billion Dollar: Unrest Damages Higher Than Initial Assessment

Frank Short 04-Dec-2021

There are around 63 buildings being burnt and looted, revised up from the initial 57.

Seasonal workers remitted around SBD 72 million into SI

Frank Short 04-Dec-2021

“The 2500 figure is the combined figures for workers in both Australia and New Zealand,” Mr. Beck said.

MPs, youths and businessman creating a Guadalcanal ‘Meri market’

Frank Short 04-Dec-2021

“So the market perimeters would be fenced so that everyone who comes here feels safe in the market.”

World Bank Approves Further Funding Support for Solomon Islands

Frank Short 03-Dec-2021

The World Bank’s Board of Executive Directors has approved US$15 million in support for Solomon Islands’ economic recovery from the pandem

Coconut rehab underway in West Kwaio

Frank Short 03-Dec-2021

A bulking site consisting of around 10,000 nuts has already been prepared and will be distributed to farmers when it is ready.

Putting claimed urgent public concerns into perspective

Frank Short 03-Dec-2021

He went on to write about the possible causes of the riots, and I will quote a few of his words.

Padakeza Rainforest Declared a Protected Area

Frank Short 02-Dec-2021

Another conservation achievement is up for applaud – the launching and declaration of the Padezaka Tribal Rainforest Conservation Area as a lega

An opportunity for dialogue, but questions still needing answers about the trigger point for reported peaceful protestors to turn into violent rioters, arsonists and looters

Frank Short 02-Dec-2021

Tomorrow will see the arrival of New Zealand Army personnel arrive in Honiara to join the loose coalition

New Zealand forces deployed to Solomon Islands

Frank Short 01-Dec-2021

The New Zealand government is deploying dozens of Defence Force and police personnel to Honiara in the coming days, "to help restore peace and st

National security, police operations and advances in technological advances

Frank Short 01-Dec-2021

I would like today, if I may, turn to the subject of intelligence collection, collation, and sharing, matters I already touched upon earlier this week

Bird songs contributing to having a restorative effect on one’s psyche.

Frank Short 30-Nov-2021

If that should happen some income might be earned but it would certainly add to the interest and attractiveness of the Solomon Islands as an attractiv

Political Intelligence and briefings

Frank Short 30-Nov-2021

In my service days in the country, the then RSIP had a functioning and reliable Special Branch, structured and trained on British lines.

Defiance, support and a renewed commitment to the Solomon Islands

Frank Short 30-Nov-2021

During the uprising, a total of 56 buildings, business premises, a school, a police station, and a bank were destroyed.

A hard hitting piece from the SIVB titled - Solomon Islands Image Shattered

Frank Short 29-Nov-2021

It took just three days for years of hard work rebuilding the Solomon Islands 'brand' to be shattered.

PUBLIC ORDER DEPLOYMENT BY POLICE AND USE OF MINIMUM FORCE

Frank Short 29-Nov-2021

I can say, however, that it must have been very difficult for the RSIPF to have been able to deploy in sufficient numbers to maintain the peace and st

Taking a basic psychological view of the Honiara riots and civil unrest

Frank Short 28-Nov-2021

Successively, but periodically, since 1998, 2000, 2006, and last week in the Solomon Islands much as been the same with rioting, looting, property dam

Offer of donation(s) to the Hearts of Hope (HOH) Charity organization

Frank Short 27-Nov-2021

Yet another overseas correspondent has reached out to me via Linkedin asking how she can donate to the Hearts of Hope Charity based in Malaita. The la

Estimated cost of S$227 million loss due to Honiara unrest

Frank Short 27-Nov-2021

The Central Bank of Solomon Islands (CBSI) has conducted an initial impact assessment over the damage to the economy caused by the recent unrest and r

Prophetic Words

Frank Short 27-Nov-2021

In March 1998, as the then Commissioner of Police in the Solomon Islands, I was invited to address a 40 multi-national gathering of senior military of

Hurt by Honiara violence and by the witnessing of events

Frank Short 26-Nov-2021

As one that has never failed to support and help with aid for the people of the Solomon Islands for more than 24 years, first as a policeman and then

Tātou Tātou – (Maori language) everyone acting together for the common good, if only!

Frank Short 26-Nov-2021

A protest on Wednesday calling for the prime minister Manasseh Sogavare to stand down has lapsed into major unrest which local police have been unable

Adoption Inquiry

Frank Short 26-Nov-2021

In one of my recent letters, I mentioned how the Hearts of Hope (HOH) charity in Malaita was in need of humanitarian aid by way of second-hand clothin

Quick Enquiry