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

Australian Police are being deployed to the Solomon Islands to help bring to control the ongoing riots in Honiara

Frank Short 25-Nov-2021

Australian Police are being deployed to the Solomon Islands to help bring to control the ongoing riots in Honiara. Australian Prime Minister, Scott Mo

Honiara unrest

Frank Short 25-Nov-2021

Members of the Honiara public are asked to stay at home as the situation in Honiara remains tense.

Woodford donates $5k to Tenakoga school

Woodford donates $5k to Tenakoga school 24-Nov-2021

It was donated purposely to support the rebuilding of the burnt two-story building that occurred in early September this year.

Last weekend the (RTC) situated on Guadalcanal Plains successfully staged its annual graduation ceremony.

Frank Short 23-Nov-2021

Saturday’s ceremony began with a graduation Mass to mark the successful year of the school and also the graduating students.

Sinking sands in the Western Solomons reinforces evidence of rising sea levels and land loss

Frank Short 23-Nov-2021

Writing a moving and sad story in today’s Island Sun newspaper today Ben Bilua captures the impact of climate change affecting people and parts

Rampant vaccine misinformation in Pacific Islands countries, poses a threat to the whole region

Frank Short 23-Nov-2021

A news bulletin just released, Tuesday, via radio New Zealand, titled NZ must help Pacific fight vaccine information read as follows, and I quote.

How are rural communities in the Solomon Islands progressing in building resistance to climate change?

Frank Short 22-Nov-2021

I believe it is time for us to know just how serious the situation is at home (in the SI) and what is being done to meet the growing climate change th

The Pacific Youth Summit The Values of Integrity for the Achievement of Sustainable Development

Frank Short 22-Nov-2021

A positive move that I very much hope will lead to much more coordinated youth activities and action towards sustainable development aims in the Solom

Importance of regular servicing and calibration of essential hospital equipment

Frank Short 22-Nov-2021

Part of the maintenance process involves having X-ray and stationary X-RAY machines calibrated.

Winrock prepares to develop and implement sustainable models for improved natural resource governance in Malaita Province and throughout Solomon Islands.

Frank Short 19-Nov-2021

Subsequent proposed project activities in those catchment areas will involve assessment of degraded forest areas, reforestation of those areas and oth

Pandemic presents big challenges in NZ for Pacific seasonal workers, but why not engage Solomon Islanders?

Frank Short 19-Nov-2021

Radio New Zealand carried a report this morning which, to me, begs the question why not recruit Solomon Islanders?

Australia’s Direct Aid Program supports 12 more communities in the SI

Frank Short 19-Nov-2021

The 12 projects in this round will support communities across Solomon Islands, including in Isabel, Western, Choiseul, Malaita, and Central Provinces

ESP helped SI from the worst of the COVID-19 economic crisis

Frank Short 18-Nov-2021

“Based on the scenario we have seen; we are not really deteriorating like what we expected.

Isabel reportedly leads in anti-corruption campaigning but the SIICAC must take early investigative action against alleged corruption issues raised by TSI

Frank Short 18-Nov-2021

This followed the invitation by the Isabel Provincial Government (IPG) for the Solomon Islands Independent Commission against Corruption, SIICAC, to c

Home of sports ready for official handover

Frank Short 18-Nov-2021

PM Sogavare will receive the building on behalf of SIG and witness the blessing of the sports facilities by the Solomon Islands Christian Association

Fiji easesCovid-19 restrictions further

Frank Short 18-Nov-2021

These include the current curfew hours of 11 pm-4 am which are expected to be slightly eased to start at midnight.

Corruption, 'Dirty Money' Limiting Pacific Nations COVID Recovery: Transparency International Australia

Frank Short 17-Nov-2021

Nearly two-thirds of the 6000 Pacific Islanders who responded to a survey earlier this year said they believed corruption was a significant problem ac

Solomon Islands claimed to have been listed as a beneficiary of an ADB 3 million project

Frank Short 17-Nov-2021

The facility aligns with ADB’s Pacific Approach, 2021–2025, which aims to deliver sustainable services wherein renewable energy-based elec

New online campaign to promote local businesses

Frank Short 17-Nov-2021

The campaign, titled “Influence-shell” celebrates Solomons Islands local enterprise and their employees and showcases their diversity, ada

Australia and Solomon Islands Hold 4th Bilateral Security Dialogue

Frank Short 17-Nov-2021

Australia and Solomon Islands are also committed to continuing to work together to ensure a stable, prosperous, and secure Blue Pacific region.

Village students at Kolokada Primary School taking action to restore food security

Frank Short 16-Nov-2021

Students and surrounding communities at Kolokoda primary school in Isabel province are taking action to restore food security now under threat due to

Principles of faith, support, unity and the ideals of the Solomon Islands

Frank Short 16-Nov-2021

Prime Minister Sogavare generally expressed his concern as what he described as a lack of respect for authority and for each other in the country.

To all media outlets and media sources in the Solomon Islands

Frank Short 16-Nov-2021

For the first time, the Media Association of Solomon Islands (MASI) is hosting a Media Awards Event to recognize media practitioners, more so journali

Fiji’s Covid experience is a good lesson to Solomon Islands, comments PM’s Special Secretary

Frank Short 15-Nov-2021

“We were blessed not to have registered a single case of community transmission and I’m hoping that we continue to remain that way,”

Australia Assists Ministry of Health to Strengthen Linkages with the Provinces

Frank Short 15-Nov-2021

This will very soon become a reality for the Ministry of Health following the delivery of 12 brand new video conferencing systems valued at AUD65,500

COP26 commitments on deforestation a flicker of hope in PNG

Quoting Radio New Zealand 15-Nov-2021

The global climate talks resulted in commitments on protecting rainforests by multilateral development banks and financial institutions to align their

COP26: New global climate deal struck in Glasgow

Frank Short 14-Nov-2021

A deal aimed at staving off dangerous climate change has been struck at the COP26 summit in Glasgow.

PROSPECTS FOR 100 OR MORE JOB OPPORTUNITIES IN VARIOUS CONSTRUCTION AREAS

Frank Short 14-Nov-2021

The Solomon Star newspaper today predicted local job opportunities associated with the construction phase of the 2023 Pacific Games construction works

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