Advancing inclusive decision-making for a better future

Frank Short 03-Nov-2021

The Ministry of Women Youth Children and Family Affairs and the Ministry of Traditional Governance Peace and Ecclesiastical Affairs has handed over it

Bred Bank Solomon Staff Donates Pinktober proceeds to the NRH Cancer Unit

Frank Short 03-Nov-2021

BRED Bank Solomon staff presented a cheque for $1,000 to the Cancer Unit at the National Referral Hospital (NRH) on Thursday 28 October 2021.

Bougainville close to lockdown after Covid-19 surge

Frank Short 03-Nov-2021

A news bulletin from Radio New Zealand this afternoon, Wednesday, should serve as yet another reminder of the continuing Covid-19 threat on Solomon Is

Solutions to address local content issue in infrastructure, raised by EASI President

Frank Short 03-Nov-2021

The Economic Association of Solomon Islands (EASI) has suggested some solutions to address the local content issues in infrastructures in the country.

USP Assists Over 400 Private Students Through Bursary Scheme

Frank Short 03-Nov-2021

A total of 420 private students studying at The University of the South Pacific (USP) have received financial assistance under the USP Student Bu

An end to deforestation by 2030

Frank Short 02-Nov-2021

A major deforestation deal has been announced at the end of COP26's first day of the leaders' summit where big polluters made new commitment

Asia Pacific countries selectively opening their air borders

Frank Short 02-Nov-2021

We have been told today that the Solomon Islands is to selectively open its borders again and Asia-Pacific countries, which have had some of the world

Given a realization that Solomon Islands cannot be isolated from the world forever Cabinet decides on reopening borders

Frank Short 02-Nov-2021

Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare has said Cabinet has directed the Oversight Committee to develop the framework for the reopening of our borders. Spea

Champions of Youth Work

Frank Short 01-Nov-2021

The Commonwealth Alliance of Youth Workers Association (CAYWA) is excited to be part of promoting International Youth Work Week from 1st to 7th Novemb

Introducing the Customary Land Recording and Bylaw Development Processes

Frank Short 01-Nov-2021

The Ministry of Lands, Housing and Survey in close partnership with the UN Development Programme and UN Women have organized a three-day forum to pres

Utility services relating to electricity sewage and water in the news

Frank Short 01-Nov-2021

Quoting two separate reports published in today’s Island Sun newspaper, utility services relating to electricity, sewage and water featured sign

Encouraging news events relating to youth training and conservation advancement

Frank Short 01-Nov-2021

Last week the Island Sun newspaper published details of youth leaders from Guadalcanal Province having undertaken three days of leadership training ai

Journalism pitched broader to reduce the image of polarization and more inclusive of provincial affairs and rural livelihoods

Frank Short 01-Nov-2021

Last week the Solomon Times Online published an article saying how in a recently published research paper funded by the University of the South Pacifi

Knowledge Series kicks off for Anti-corruption and Integrity Institutions

Frank Short 29-Oct-2021

The first seminar of the knowledge series kicked off today with the national anti-corruption and integrity institutions of Pacific Island Countries (P

It isn’t yet too late to get vaccinated

Frank Short 29-Oct-2021

Coronavirus first emerged on the world stage in early 2020 and by now research has shown what happens to people who get the WHO approved COVID-19 vacc

ESP (Economic Stimulus Package) features in the news

Frank Short 29-Oct-2021

There are two articles in the Island Sun today relating to the government’s economic stimulous package which tend to highlight the challenges an

NZ Government announces new Ministry for Disabled People and accessibility law

Frank Short 29-Oct-2021

A new Ministry for Disabled People will be set up as the government rolls out a different approach to support services and brings in a new law to make

Virtual Health care and Telemedicine practices in a future Solomon Islands

Frank Short 28-Oct-2021

It was the late Dr Martin Luther King speaking in the United States who said, “I have a dream.” His dream was about about civil rights. I

A Thank you for Linta

Frank Short 28-Oct-2021

In May this year readers might recall my letters and an appeal for help for Linta Mabo, the 16 year old daughter of a family living in North East Guad

Strategy to Revitalize the Agriculture Sector launched

Frank Short 27-Oct-2021

Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare officially launched the roadmap which also coincided with the World Food Day agriculture show celebrations staged at

Family Support Centre calls for action for all children affected by sexual violence

Frank Short 27-Oct-2021

The Family Support Centre (FSC) stands in solidarity with those who have condemned the recent alleged rape and murder of a 7 year old child in Kolomba

Early speculative reporting discounted as RSIPF clarify bomb did not apparently kill father and son

Frank Short 26-Oct-2021

Yesterday the Solomon Times Online reported that a father and son had been killed in a bomb blast in Honiara

Unnecessary alarmist newspaper headline

Frank Short 26-Oct-2021

I consider it was unnecessary and alarmist for staff reporter Mavis (Podokolo) to have reported in the Island Sun today titling her story ‘

Academic achievement must be supported with jobs

Frank Short 26-Oct-2021

Reading a copy of today’s Island Sun newspaper, I see that Dr. Transform Aqorau has said education is the way forward.

NZ PM has said vaccination will be mandated in any workplace that requires a certificate of vaccination for entry

Frank Short 26-Oct-2021

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has announced vaccination will be mandated in any workplace that requires a certificate of vaccination for entry.

Unexploded ordinance and the threat to lives in the Solomon Islands lingers on 80 yrs after the Pacific War

Frank Short 26-Oct-2021

The Solomon Island has seen the tragic loss of two more of its citizens in a bomb blast in just over a year and the latest incident poses the question

In yet another WWII bomb blast in nearly a year a father and son are killed and two others critically injured

Frank Short 25-Oct-2021

A father and his son have died after a bomb blast late yesterday around 7 pm. The father died shortly after the blast, his son reportedly died in hosp

Vitamin B12 deficiency

Vitamin B12 deficiency 25-Oct-2021

I have often written about NCDs in the Solomon Islands and the way an inappropriate diet containing too much fat and sugar continues to hasten the ons

Cyberbullying and an alleged tragic death in the SI

Frank Short 25-Oct-2021

“In the Western Pacific region hepatitis B is estimated to stand at 20 percent and hepatitis C at 1 percent, approximately one out of every five

Hepatitis B is ranked as the sixth most common cause of death at the National Referral Hospital (NRH)

Frank Short 24-Oct-2021

“In the Western Pacific region hepatitis B is estimated to stand at 20 percent and hepatitis C at 1 percent, approximately one out of every five

Disability will become more a part of the human condition requiring a form of social security support system

Frank Short 24-Oct-2021

Today, Sunday, I have been reflecting on the overall situation regarding people suffering some degree of disability in the Solomon Islands, on their n

Prime Minister gives his views on the importance of economic development in the Solomon Islands

Frank Short 24-Oct-2021

Speaking in Honiara last week, Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare talked of the necessity of aggressively addressing the existing infrastructure through

Attitudes hardening to non-vaxxers in the United Kingdom

Frank Short 24-Oct-2021

An article by David Mellor in today’s edition of the Daily Mail Online is titled – “How much longer can we tolerate anti-vaxxers?&rd

Diabetes: The warning sign of high blood sugar in your legs that is ‘worse at night time'

Frank Short 23-Oct-2021

I am most often preoccupied with trying to find information on diabetes and how it might be detected and, more importantly, be prevented in the Solomo

Artificial (prosthetic) legs for the hundreds of former NRH patients now disabled, disadvantaged without full mobility and waiting years for help

Frank Short 23-Oct-2021

The gifted modular building to the NRH delivered to the hospital last September has now been assembled and an extension added to become the replacemen

A plan to grow subsistence small holder farmers into commercial farmers

Frank Short 23-Oct-2021

The Government has promised to commit to increasing its investment in the Agriculture sector. This was revealed by Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare du

Experts believe one part of fighting the pandemics like Covid is to promote the general health and well-being of citizens

Frank Short 22-Oct-2021

The Solomon Islands remains one of very few countries to be Covid-19 free but the pandemic has not gone away offshore and the continued splendid effor

SI health sector in line for a USD$5 million grant and a USD$5 million loan in projected WB and ADB project offers

Frank Short 22-Oct-2021

Six World Bank projects are still in the pipeline to be implemented in the Solomon Islands. This comes after the Bank supported 8 active projects wort

SI Gov’t committed to infrastructure development, says PM Sogavare

Frank Short 22-Oct-2021

Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare highlighted development when delivering his opening remarks at the Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce (SICCI) Infras

Deadline looms for public servants to get vaccintated

Frank Short 21-Oct-2021

Speaking during his nationwide address this week, the Prime Minister said this represents 23.9% of the total doses required to cover the total target

Solomon Islands Prime Minister condemns heinous and brutal crimes and speaks for the nation

Frank Short 20-Oct-2021

The Solomon Islands in in shock and grief over the alleged rape and killing of an innocent seven year old girl in Kolombangara, Western Province.

The expressed concerns for a new National Disability Inclusive Plan accommodating the needs of children with disabilities

Frank Short 19-Oct-2021

In the main the views raised concerned what is perceived delay in getting a response from the MEHR regarding a definitive implementation plan to tackl

New water supply for 4134 beneficiaries in the Guale communities

Frank Short 19-Oct-2021

Great news reported by the Island Sun newspaper today which said, more than 4000 people in seven communities affected by the Tropical Cyclone (TC

The alleged rape and death of a ten- year old child

Frank Short 19-Oct-2021

The Solomon Times Online this morning carried the heartbreaking and sickening report of the alleged rape and death of a ten year old child in the Solo

Looking into the positive way internet access and mobile phone usage could benefit the Solomon Islands

Frank Short 18-Oct-2021

Mobile phone penetration rating is currently at 18.7 percent but that is expected to double following the recent improvement of network systems from 2

Molecule could prevent damaging cell changes caused by type 2 diabetes – study

Frank Short 18-Oct-2021

Writing today, Monday, in the UK’s Evening Standard, Nina Massey says Researchers have identified a molecule that could help prevent damage to c

Aftershocks of Covid-19 threaten to undo gains across Pacific, RNZ report claims Experts

Frank Short 18-Oct-2021

The Pacific Aftershock Report World Vision reveals the results of a survey of households across the region. It said while much of the Pacifi

100,000 More AstraZeneca Vaccines Arrive from Australia

Frank Short 18-Oct-2021

As the Ministry of Medical Health and Services (MHMS) steps up the national vaccine roll-out to the provinces, Australia continues to provide Solomon

Key concerns of the Solomon Islands, transport development in rural areas and climate finance, in regional news

Frank Short 18-Oct-2021

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Papua New Guinea Government have a $325 million loan to help fund tranche two of the Sustainable Highlands Hi

Tree growing project called ‘WithOneSeed’

Frank Short 17-Oct-2021

Fifteen years ago, I met maun Joao Tadeu Gusmao and mana Leopoldina Guterres, a couple from a very remote area in Timor-Leste called Baguia. Eleven ye

Taking Care of Children with Special Needs beyond Honiara

Frank Short 17-Oct-2021

The Ministry of Education and Human Resources Development (MEHRD) have since 2016 been working on implementing the National Disability Inclusive Educa

Disturbing disability figures in the Solomon Islands – What has changed in 2021?

Frank Short 16-Oct-2021

If the Solomon Islands Constitution does not yet provide a strong legislative framework that guarantees the equal rights of people with disabilities t

More than 600 visitors to the SI's Expo Pavilion in Dubai

Frank Short 16-Oct-2021

Solomon Islands Commissioner General, His Excellency Ambassador Moses Kouni Mose and his Team were glad to have welcomed more than 600 visitors to our

Women are the key to growth in Solomon Islands' expanding Cocoa Industry

Frank Short 15-Oct-2021

International Day of Rural Women is supported by UN Women, the United Nations entity dedicated to gender equality and the empowerment of wom

Solomon Airlines promotion of Tugeda Holiday packages

Frank Short 15-Oct-2021

Solomon Airlines has suffered losses arising from the Covid-19 pandemic but has frequently, via Facebook and other promotion means promoted and illust

Tetupa Primary School beneficiary of WASH facilities funded by New Zealand

Frank Short 15-Oct-2021

Around 230 students from Tetupa Primary will benefit from a WASH facility funded by the New Zealand Government through UNICEF and implemented by the W

Hovi Adventist Secondary and Primary School opens new classroom

Frank Short 15-Oct-2021

Students and staff of Hovi Adventist Secondary and Primary school in Gao Bugotu, Isabel Province have witnessed some tangible development in their sma

New project to reduce poverty launched and is expected to benefit approximately 49,233 people in Malaita Province

Frank Short 14-Oct-2021

A project called Melanesia Rural Market & Innovation-Driven Development Programme (MERMAID) that aims to reduce rural poverty, improve nutrition,

A Call for Jobs

Frank Short 14-Oct-2021

In a recent letter the Leader of the Opposition in the SI Parliament, the Hon. Mathew Wale, called on the government to create more jobs. It is someth

Private sector helping to fund green energy in Africa.

Frank Short 13-Oct-2021

The UN shared a story on my Linkedin page today which I will reshare with readers of my regular letters in the Solomon Islands where there is a great

SI’s Magistrates’ Court Circuits To Go Ahead With Support From Australia

Frank Short 13-Oct-2021

According to a report in today’s copy of the Solomon Times Online, the Magistrates’ Court circuits to the provinces will now go ahead for

UNDP PIF and UK Government Call for Increased Effectiveness of Climate Finance in the Pacific

Frank Short 13-Oct-2021

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in partnership with the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) and the United Kingdom Foreign, Commonwealth and D

Auki receives a new garbage truck from the Japanese Government

Frank Short 13-Oct-2021

The Government of Japan has delivered a garbage truck worth $650,000 to Malaita Province yesterday to boost waste management efforts in Auki.

Complacement has led to people thinking Covid-19 was not going to take root in PNG

Frank Short 13-Oct-2021

Papua New Guinea's Health Minister, Jelta Wong, said the pandemic is pushing the country's health system to the limit.

ADB to provide climate financing

Frank Short 13-Oct-2021

The Asian Development Bank has announced it aims to deliver $US100 billion in climate financing to its members through to 2030.

Stranded nurses still in Vanuatu

Frank Short 12-Oct-2021

According to a story in today’s Island Sun newspaper today, the stranded Solomon Islands nurses in Vanuatu may not be getting any support f

A SENIOR CONSULTANT PHYSICIAN AT THE NRH SPEAKS HIS MIND SAYING IT AS IT IS

Frank Short 12-Oct-2021

Solomon Islands does not have the capacity to handle a Covid-19 outbreak in the country if there should be any, says Dr Jones Ghabu.

Access to Justice in the Solomon Islands: Formal and Informal Pathways Post RAMSI

Frank Short 11-Oct-2021

The Solomon Islands Government faces a number of impediments, including administering outcomes with limited institutional and fiscal resources to a po

Good Showing for Solomon Islands in Dubai Expo 2020

Frank Short 11-Oct-2021

More than 600 visitors were welcomed to the Solomon Islands Pavilion over the past few days.

Australia mulls measures making social media giants responsible for defamatory postings

Frank Short 11-Oct-2021

According to the latest news bulletin from Radio New Zealand, today Sunday, the Australian government is considering a range of measures that wou

Donated artificial legs via a UK registered charity

Frank Short 11-Oct-2021

In the United Kingdom, the registered charity ‘Legs for Africa’ helps amputees live independently, through supplying artificial legs, allo

Article on child abuse reveals some shocking child rape statistics

Frank Short 09-Oct-2021

Four stakeholders have highlighted their different roles in dealing with child and children in the country.

Success from the boom in kava cultivation and sales in Malaita

Frank Short 08-Oct-2021

The fog has just cleared as Walter Ara begins his steep climb up the hills behind his village.

17 year old student sees health care for the elderly and infants as primary community concerns in the country

Frank Short 07-Oct-2021

Freelance journalist Jimmy Nolan writing in the Solomon Times Online today tells the story of young Ambrose Wate from South Malaita and a student at S

WHO recommends groundbreaking malaria vaccine for children at risk

Frank Short 07-Oct-2021

Historic RTS,S/AS01 recommendation can reinvigorate the fight against malaria

Contract to Upgrade Seghe and Taro Runways Signed

Frank Short 07-Oct-2021

Improvements are set to commence on two Solomon Islands runways, following the signing of a significant construction contract between the New Zealand

Building a Stronger Media Association of Solomon Islands with funding and equipment support from Australia

Frank Short 06-Oct-2021

The Media Association of Solomon Islands (MASI) will be better equipped to carry out it’s important role of building a skilled, independent and

Nurses stranded and allegedly living poor in Vanuatu

Frank Short 06-Oct-2021

New Zealand today reported that twenty Solomon Islands nationals are stranded in Port Vila in Vanuatu, due to Covid-19.

The Solomon Islands requires collective brains to establish effective security policies and strategic approaches, says SINU Professor

Frank Short 06-Oct-2021

A shift in the National Security context in Solomon Islands needs more theoretical knowledge to address, says Professor David Gegeo of the Solomon Isl

MEHRD pledges to improve teachers’ welfare, but doesn’t say how and when

Frank Short 06-Oct-2021

The Ministry of Education and Human Resources Development has promised it will strengthen all initiatives to improve teachers’ welfare.

Lifestyle changes needed in the SI to prevent and control diabetes, including diet and exercise

Frank Short 06-Oct-2021

Writing in the UK’s Daily Mail today Eleanor Hayward predicts that one in ten in the UK will have diabetes by 2030.

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