A glimpse at the reality of Covid in the Solomon Islands neighbourhood
Frank Short 22-Aug-2021
Sydney, a city of more than 5 million people, has been in a strict lockdown for more than two months now, failing so far to contain an outbreakAnti-lockdown protest turns violent in Melbourne as demonstrators additionally rally in Sydney and Brisbane
Frank Short 21-Aug-2021
A big and violent anti-lockdown protest has led to Melbourne, with Victoria Police reporting the arrests of 218 individuals and the hospitalisation ofSIG & USA partners to advance SCALE
Frank Short 21-Aug-2021
THE National Government is working closely with the United States Government in progressing the design and programming of the SCALE Project.A 36 hour lockdown is proposed in the Solomon Islands to test its Covid-19 response capabilities.
Frank Short 21-Aug-2021
The Solomon Islands government has announced a 36 hour lockdown in the capital Honiara next Sunday to test the country's Covid-19 response capabiGUADACANAL PLANS FOR A NEW PRESENCE IN THE CENTRE OF THE CITY
Frank Short 20-Aug-2021
During the two years I was present in Honiara (July 1997 to July 1999) the then Premier of Guadalcanal Province was accommodated in a small office inOver 700 new infections in Fiji, 8 deaths amid suspected first case on a remote island
Frank Short 20-Aug-2021
Radio New Zealand has reported this afternoon, Friday, 781 new Covid-19 infections8 deaths amid a suspected first case on remote island55 year old Aringana clinic in disrepair and lacking health standards
Frank Short 20-Aug-2021
Built in 1966, Aringana clinic in Arosi, West Makira is one of the oldest clinics in the country that continue to provide health services to communitiKILU’UFI HOSPITAL RECEIVES DONATED CLINICAL ITEMS FROM MALAITANS NOW RESIDENT IN AUSTRALIA
Frank Short 20-Aug-2021
Malaitans now living in Gatton in Australia recently donated several wheelchairs and clinical items to the Kilu’ufi Hospital.Climate Finance Access Network Announces 8 Pacific Countries Receiving Dedicated Climate Finance Advisors
Frank Short 19-Aug-2021
Fiji, Kiribati, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, the Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu and Vanuatu will receive advisors specifically trained and placed to unlocShould a lockdown become necessary, thoughts by a SI journalist?
Frank Short 19-Aug-2021
Samson Sade writing in today’s edition of Solomon Times Online has said that a workable homegrown plan tailor made to the local socio-economic sUpdate on Covid-19 and the Delta variant in (NSW) Australia and New Zealand.
Frank Short 18-Aug-2021
I really wish I could report better news but in NSW 633 fresh Covid cases were recorded as of this morning, Wednesday, and in New Zealand where the coAt UN climate meet, alliance co-founded by India hopes to realise dream of a global solar grid
Frank Short 18-Aug-2021
Director General of International Solar Alliance, launched by India & France, tells ThePrint they are counting on political support for its One SuFalse rumours about vaccinations against Covid-19 must be discounted
Frank Short 18-Aug-2021
It is claimed in the Solomon Times Online today that social media platforms in the Solomon Islands are continuing to make false claims about Covid-19Alleged threats to the democratic process
Frank Short 17-Aug-2021
In mid to late 1998 I warned the then government and then diplomatic partners of the Solomon Islands of firstly the threats to the government and then10,000 pairs of shoes donated to children in the Pacific
Frank Short 16-Aug-2021
I read today of this extremely generous and kind donation which was published by Radio New Zealand.Positive ESP achievements in the infrastructure sector
Frank Short 16-Aug-2021
The Oversight committee responsible for the implementation of the Economic Stimulus Package (ESP) Initiative has announced some of the major and positThe true account of a young mother’s struggle in the face of a Covid stricken economy
Frank Short 15-Aug-2021
This is the story of Rose Oli.“Govt’s ethical and moral duty to ensure we can protect the people of this country,” Prime Minister Sogavare
Frank Short 15-Aug-2021
COVID-19 does not care about our individual beliefs, our freedoms nor our individual rights.Seventy percent of Malaita’s health system claimed to be seriously run down, says Director of Provincial Health
Frank Short 15-Aug-2021
When speaking during the launch of the upcoming vaccination roll out in Malaita, the Director of Malaita’s Provincial Health, Dr. David DanitofeHelp with vaccinations for the Hearts of Hope Charity and those elderly persons in the charity’s care
Frank Short 15-Aug-2021
A vaccination rollout is scheduled this coming week in Malaita and I very much hope all ill take advantage of the availability of vaccines and get thePacific Ministers Prioritise Addressing Covid-19 and Climate Change Impacts on Pacific Tuna Fisheries
Frank Short 14-Aug-2021
Pacific Ministers have identified dealing with the immediate impacts of Covid-19 and the longer term threats of climate change on offshore fisheries aA private medical centre specialising in providing eye care for the public has opened in Honiara.
Frank Short 14-Aug-2021
The new clinic called ‘CDP Private Health’, the centre is operated by Dr Claude PosalaThe penny has dropped
Frank Short 14-Aug-2021
I use the title to this piece in relation to the situation in Australia and New Zealand in regard to the Covid-19 crisis, but especially the crisis reNew fisheries building delivered in Kirakira
Frank Short 13-Aug-2021
The fisheries Minister Nestor Giro a week ago received the keys to a newly constructed fisheries building at Kirakira, Makira Ulawa Province.Enterprising Bellona farmer travels to Honiara to promote organically grown cabbages
Frank Short 13-Aug-2021
Motivated by the healthy growth and harvest of his organically grown variety of cabbagesSI’s Opposition Leader supports an age-limit increase in seasonal work.
Frank Short 13-Aug-2021
The Island Sun newspaper this morning, Friday, reports that the Leader of Opposition Matthew Mr. Wale fully endorses recent submissions by SData base being developed to help provide employment support for people living with disabilities
Frank Short 12-Aug-2021
I was greatly encouraged when I read a media statement this week which featured in the Solomon Star newspaper, and I quote the piece.A revised plan is reportedly being considered for the failed Marau mini hospital project.
Frank Short 12-Aug-2021
The Isand Sun newspaper today reported that a plan is being considered for the Marau mini hospital.The threat of the deadly Delta Covid variant
Frank Short 12-Aug-2021
The Leader of Opposition, Hon. Matthew Wale, has urged the government to adopt a zero-risk approach in its efforts to stop the entry of the deadly delImproving women’s health in the Solomon Islands by testing for cervical cancer
Frank Short 12-Aug-2021
Freelance journalist Jeremy Gwao writing in the Solomon Times this week takes up the concern that I have often raised in the media – the issue oEmerging Young Pacific Talents Receive Climate Resilience Awards
Frank Short 11-Aug-2021
A total of 20 emerging youth artists, poets, and filmmakers from across the Blue Pacific have been recognised in creative competition documenting climLong-awaited Bonale pineapple factory project reported making positive progress
Frank Short 11-Aug-2021
Key partners engaged in advancing the development of the Bonale Pineapple Factory project in West Kwaio, Malaita Province are making steady progress rSolomon Islands not alone in enforcing the mandatory administration of Covid-19 vaccine
Frank Short 11-Aug-2021
Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare has defended his governments decision to enforce the mandatory administration of the COVID-19 vaccine.Threatening and abusing frontliners, including vaccinators, can be arrested and charged with an offence as provided for by the provisions of the SOPE Regulations.
Frank Short 10-Aug-2021
The Prime Minister has come out strongly against any threats or abusive of frontliners or vaccinators doing their jobs to protect SI citizens from CovIPCC report: What it means for New Zealand's climate response ( and how will SI need to react given its tiny carbon footprint?)
Frank Short 10-Aug-2021
The climate is changing, faster than we thought - and humans have caused it. Last night, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) releasedProvincial health support and strategic interventions for health services
Frank Short 10-Aug-2021
The National Health Promotion Division of the Ministry of Health and Medical Services has commenced its provincial support to scale up provincial capaThe delta variant of Covid is more contagious than chickenpox and highly infectious which can be transmitted easily.
Frank Short 10-Aug-2021
Dr. Jimmy Rodgers is reported in the Island Sun newspaper today saying the Covid-19 delta variant has been found to be more contagious than chickenpox‘Code Red’ for humanity' warning over irreversible climate impact- UN.
Frank Short 09-Aug-2021
The UN climate panel sounded a dire warning this evening, saying the world is dangerously close to runaway warming and that humans are "unequivocUN set to reveal landmark IPCC report findings on climate change
Frank Short 09-Aug-2021
(Alok Sharma, the UK Minister who is leading the summit, said at the weekend that the world was almost running out of time to avoid catastrophe - andNo justification for verbally abusing vaccinators working to keep all safe from Covid-19
Frank Short 09-Aug-2021
The SI Ministry of Health says it is saddened by verbal abuse and threats made against a group of vaccinators in Honiara last week while rolling out vSolomon Power set to build solar hybrid systems in 10 Guadalcanal communities
Frank Short 08-Aug-2021
An article in the Island Sun newspaper has said the state-owned enterprise, Solomon Power, will build solar hybrid systems in 10 pilot communities inNSW records 262 cases of Covid-19 and one death over night
Frank Short 08-Aug-2021
Citizens continue to be urged to get vaccinated as New South Wales has recorded 262 locally acquired cases of Covid-19, and one person has died.Standards of uniform and dress
Frank Short 07-Aug-2021
As a young soldier now some 62 years ago I served in the British Corps of Royal Military Police (RMP) doing what was called National Service.Prosthetic (artificial limbs desperately needed by hundreds of amputees in the Solomon Islands)
Frank Short 07-Aug-2021
With the extremely high rate of diabetes disease in the Solomon Islands brought about by NCD’s the numbers of diabetic patients having succumbedFijians struggling for food amid ongoing Covid-19 health crisis
Frank Short 07-Aug-2021
Charities on the frontline of Fiji's growing humanitarian crisis warn that many families are struggling to get enough food.Solomon's Sharon Firisua hopes to beat personal best at marathon event in Tokyo
Frank Short 07-Aug-2021
Sharon Firisua from the Solomon Islands will make history when she competes in the women's final marathon at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics today, markiObtaining immunity to fight off the Covid invader.
Frank Short 06-Aug-2021
With the rising cases of Covid-19 cases, and especially the Delta variant type of the virus‘Get your jab before it’s too late’, says Joseph Hiele
Frank Short 06-Aug-2021
Disregarding false information was important to Joseph Hiele of Gizoi who had his first Coid-19 vaccine recently.His story is recounted in the IslandMass vaccinations planned in NZ and assessing the risk travellers bring to the country
Frank Short 06-Aug-2021
Thousands of people are expected to turn up to New Zealand's first rural mass Covid-19 vaccination event at Stratford today and tomorrow.The Covid crisis must not undermine peace or security and weaken the resolve to curb domestic violence at home
Frank Short 05-Aug-2021
In the past two days in public speeches he made in Guadalcanal the Prime Minister spoke specifically about the preservation of the peace and securityPrime Minister Sogavare outlines govt policy for infrastructure development for Guadalcanal and peace and security aspirations for all SI citizens
Frank Short 05-Aug-2021
Prime Minister Sogavare in his Second Appointed Day Speech in Marau, East Guadalcanal, made some important pronouncements beneficial for Guadacanal anUS President to address Pacific Forum summit
Frank Short 05-Aug-2021
The US President, Joe Biden, is expected to address Pacific Islands Forum Leaders at their virtual meeting tomorrow.Illustrating the Covid-19 crisis in brief news from around SI’s Pacific neighbours
Frank Short 05-Aug-2021
Radio New Zealand today released news reports which help us to see the situation in two of our Pacific neighbours, and I quote.Flight restrictions imposed to protect the country from Covid has affected work on the (JICA) airport project at Henderson.
Frank Short 04-Aug-2021
This was revealed by Ms.Asano Yoko from the Embassy of Japan yesterday.New rules for three countries in the (NZ) Regional Seasonal Employer (RSE) Scheme
Frank Short 04-Aug-2021
Radio New Zealand announced today, Wednesday, that new rules allowing seasonal workers to enter New Zealand without going through managed isolatiGuadalcanal announces plans for provincial headquarters and three new townships
Frank Short 04-Aug-2021
GUADALCANAL will establish its headquarters at Mamara, west of Honiara, and build three other townships around the province.The SIG’s stand on the importance of vaccinations
Frank Short 04-Aug-2021
I would like to share with readers the latest news relating to Covid-19 in relation to New Zealand and NSW in Australia.SI’s tough decision to have made on mandatory vaccinations but the Delta strain of Covid proving hard to contain in Australia and a danger.
Frank Short 03-Aug-2021
Radio New Zealand set the scene in a news broadcast this afternoon reporting, quote.CEMA to set up a buying centre at Manekalaku
Frank Short 03-Aug-2021
Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare has revealed that the Commodities Export Marketing Authority (CEMA) will set up its main buying center at ManekalakuThe Solomon Islands Government has a duty of care to the population and has approved the mandatory administration of Covid-19 vaccines
Frank Short 03-Aug-2021
An article in today’s Island Sun newspaper gives an account of a recent speech made by the Hon. Culwick Togamana, the Minister of Health and MedPlease don’t be lulled into a false sense of security
Frank Short 02-Aug-2021
The Solomon Islands is still free from the coronavirus pandemic that is ravishing many other countriesThe unrelenting impact of Covid-19 on the livelihoods of Pacific Traders and on small business owners in the Solomon Islands
Frank Short 02-Aug-2021
According to the latest report from the Pacific Business Monitor COVID-19 impacts on Pacific businesses have remained at severe levels since tracThe Fiji government has embarked on a determined vaccination drive.
Frank Short 02-Aug-2021
So far it is reported that 83 percent of the eligible population has received the first dose of Covid-19 vaccination – and 24 percent has had twOrganisers reach goal at mass vaccination event in Auckland
Frank Short 01-Aug-2021
Late this evening, Sunday, Radio New Zealand has reported more than15,500 people have received their first dose of Covid-19 vaccine at a mass eveCovid-19 cases in Fiji – 1121 new cases and six more deaths
Frank Short 01-Aug-2021
Reported the news from Fiji today, Sunday, Radio New Zealand bulletins confirms there are 294 severe Covid-19 patients in Fiji's hospitals,Help, encouragement and support for the Solomon Islands
Frank Short 01-Aug-2021
In 2014 I personally launched my website on the internet and Google’s 1st page.SINU opens $120m complex fully funded by the national government
Frank Short 31-Jul-2021
The new complex belongs to SINU’s Faculty of Education and Humanities and was fully funded by the national government.Get fully vaccinated as the best protection against Covid-19
Frank Short 31-Jul-2021
My thoughts today are pre-occupied with the delta variant of Covid-19 and how the transfer of that highly transferable and deadly virus would affect tACOM supports Covid-19 vaccinations to protect citizens
Frank Short 31-Jul-2021
The Anglican Church of Melanesia (ACOM) has come out to voice its support for the covid-19 vaccine.Staff capacity building for the SI Independent Commission Against Corruption.
Frank Short 30-Jul-2021
I have been considering what Sir Frank Kabui, GCMG, CSI, OBE, the former Governor General of the Solomon Islands is reported to have told the Solomon“Teeth needed” for the SI Anti-Corruption Commission, says the Chair of the Commission
Frank Short 30-Jul-2021
An article published in today’s Solomon Star newspaper written by paper’s Editor, Mr. Alfred Sasako, said a nation’s senior stA plea to get vaccinated before it is too late
Frank Short 30-Jul-2021
Fifty thousand Australian-made AstraZeneca doses arrived in Solomon Islands on 29 July on a flight from Brisbane - the largest single consignment of ANSW reports 239 new Covid-19 cases
Frank Short 29-Jul-2021
Radio New Zealand has just reported this afternoon, Thursday, that the Australian state of New South Wales (NSW) has recorded 239 new locally acqA wise precaution by the Solomon Islands government preventing entry to the country without being vaccinated
Frank Short 29-Jul-2021
Opening SI’s borders to let people arriving without having been fully vaccinated against Covid-19 could risk importations of new Covid variantsAnti social behavior alleged by a resident in Gizo
Frank Short 28-Jul-2021
A “concerned resident” of Gizo, named in the Solomon Star newspaper as Benjandro Piko, complained about anti-social activities allegedly cChurch leaders in the SI meet for talks with the Chinese Ambassador
Frank Short 28-Jul-2021
About 14 local church leaders met with the Chinese Ambassador at the Embassy yesterday.Getting the facts right
Frank Short 28-Jul-2021
The spreading of false information, false rumours and deliberate false news remains a painful memory, and a set-back to security, of the two years preSecuring a greener future by restoring biodiversity
Frank Short 28-Jul-2021
For the first time ever, the UN Development Programme Small Grants Programme in Solomon Islands handed over the certificate of afforestation project cSeasonal mangos could become a valuable export crop for the Solomon Islands
Frank Short 28-Jul-2021
The "common mango" or "Indian mango"—is the only mango tree commonly cultivated in many tropical and subtropical regions, anFiji reports 715 new Covid-19 cases as death toll passes 200
Frank Short 28-Jul-2021
Fiji has recorded 715 cases of Covid-19 and 11 deaths - including an unvaccinated health worker - in the last 24 hours to 8am yesterday.Has the Solomon Islands considered the export possibilities for green coconuts and coconut water?
Frank Short 27-Jul-2021
The Solomon Islands has had success with the manufacture of virgin coconut oil which has contributed to the income of farmers, local employment, and eUS$20.8 million partnership between UNICEF and Japan in fight against COVID-19 in the Pacific region
Frank Short 27-Jul-2021
According to press releases, this week, UNICEF and the Government of Japan have announced a new US$20.8 million partnership to support Pacific Island