"With freedom comes much responsibility”, says MASI President in the Solomon Islands
Frank Short 27-Jul-2021
The Media Association of Solomon Islands (MASI) is embarking on a scoping study to strengthen the media industry.Could ginger be grown commercially in the Solomon Islands?
Frank Short 27-Jul-2021
I have always been keen to see the Solomon Islands prosper with commercial cultivation of crops that bring benefit for growers and boost the nationalSI’s duel health crisis
Frank Short 26-Jul-2021
Samson Sade writing in today’s edition of the Solomon Times Online newspaper quotes “Pacific Possible’ research stating that NCD&rsqThe threat of Covid-19 poses a threat that nobody can ignore and getting vaccinated the only option to be safe from the deadly virus
Frank Short 26-Jul-2021
This morning I kept my appointment at a Bangkok hospital and took a taxi through the city’s main roads practically devoid of traffic and streetsDemocratic rights at a time of Covid-19
Frank Short 26-Jul-2021
Last week, the SI Governor General, His Excellency, Sir David Vunagi, GCMG, declared the country’s fifth consecutive State of Public Emergency (Pacific Youth Leader, Ms Gladys Habu, calls on Pacific Leaders to declare a climate emergency.
Frank Short 24-Jul-2021
Writing in the Solomon Times Online, a respected local freelance journalist contributed an article in which she mentioned how Gladys Habu, of the SoloExiled Malaitans donate medical supplies to Kilu’ufi Hospital
Frank Short 24-Jul-2021
The Solomon Star newspaper today, Saturday, carried a report saying Malaitans living and working in Gatton in Queensland, Australia, have donated mediAustralia Kava market could open this year, according to International Development Minister
Frank Short 24-Jul-2021
The possibility of Kava exports into Australia could begin at the end of this year, according to Australia’s Minister for International DevelopmRefurbished Isolation Ward at the National Referral Hospital (NRH)
Frank Short 23-Jul-2021
It is reported that the PRC Government has completed refurbishing an Isolation Ward at the National Referral Hospital (NRH) and the Chinese AmbassadorKukum Clinic regarded as the busiest in Honiara reopens after a year of renovations
Frank Short 23-Jul-2021
Kukum Clinic has been officially reopened by the Deputy City Mayor after a major renovation works that started in 2020Difficult times, difficult decisions, difficult choices
Frank Short 23-Jul-2021
Two articles in the Solomon Star today give rise to my choice of title for this letterNoni farm in East Honiara receives agricultural equipment from MAL
Frank Short 23-Jul-2021
The Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAL) through its Extension Department has supported T.W Enterprise Noni farm with essential agricultural eqESP pilot survey scheduled for next week, announces government
Frank Short 23-Jul-2021
A two-day pilot survey will be conducted at Kakabona and Henderson/ Lungga areas next week.Looking at Covid-19 prevention through the eyes of wantokism and social responsibility.
Frank Short 22-Jul-2021
The Ministry of Health and Medical services (MHMS) has established new sites for those eligible for the COVID-19 vaccination.Climate change increases health hazards, says SI’s Doctor Edgar Pollard
Frank Short 22-Jul-2021
The impacts of climate change on our weather patterns are a serious threat to our ongoing health problems which needs the attention of our policy makeMarovo fishermen get 20 boats supplied through CDF
Frank Short 21-Jul-2021
Apart from recently witnessing the Seghe Hospital Electrification Project, 20 boats were supplied to local fisherman with funds acquired through the CEnding the nightmare of Covid-19 means people must get vaccinated and make it their personal responsibility
Frank Short 21-Jul-2021
The news media, both print and broadcast media, continues to bring us news of the affect of the deadly Cornavirus that has gripped the world since earGood news for SI seasonal workers with word from Australia
Frank Short 20-Jul-2021
Australia is committed to keeping the doors open for Pacific seasonal workers and to ensuring conditions for workers arriving from Asia on new visa scThe Rural Development Fund (RCDF) aiding rural health requirements in practical ways
Frank Short 20-Jul-2021
A survey of the local newspapers today, Tuesday, highlighted how using Rural Constituency Development Funds (RCDF) the health services has been the beSI. Recording the primary rights of customary landholding groups and sustaining peace
Frank Short 19-Jul-2021
The UN Development Programme (UNDP) in Solomon Islands, in partnership with the Ministry of Lands, Housing and Survey, has supportWorking to help People with Disabilities in the SI to attain disability rights and promote their dignity and pride
Frank Short 19-Jul-2021
I wrote today a piece in which I expressed my appreciation for DFAT in conducting a training workshop in Honiara last week for some 29 women and girlsEquality and human rights as laid down in the UN Convention of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities explained to women and girls living with disability
Frank Short 19-Jul-2021
Last week, 29 women and girls living with some disability, with support from the the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) met in Honiara forSI Government Economic Stimulus Package (ESP) contributes to economic self-reliance in West Guadalcanal
Frank Short 19-Jul-2021
The North West Guadalcanal Development Association (NWGD) has introduced a new initiative ‘bulk marketing’ for rural farmers to generate iNZ extending financial support to its tourism trade as it expands its domestic travel industry
Frank Short 18-Jul-2021
Just as the tourism industry has taken a hit in the Solomon Islands, New Zealand has been badly affected by the drop of tourist numbers, although not“We’re in the pandemic together.” Casting aside false information and taking decisive action on vaccination the key to ending Covid-19
Frank Short 18-Jul-2021
I read the front page article in the Solomon Star on 16 July which featured an article and accompanying photograph of the Australian and the UK High CTargeted population groups in SI with the special needs of disabled persons in mind
Frank Short 16-Jul-2021
It was encouraging to read in the Solomon Times Online this morning that the staff at the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAL) have joined citiWill the construction of two new health centres in Guadacanal soon herald the construction of others throughout the SI?
Frank Short 15-Jul-2021
Yesterday, I wrote saying how two rural health centres at recently been constructed and brought into services for the communities at Aola and Avuavu iTwo health centres constructed and brought into service in Guadalcanal Province
Frank Short 15-Jul-2021
According to information to hand, the WHO approached Kramer Ausenco (KA) to provide services from initial investigations, design, documentation, and cA second ESP package being urged and one the Prime Minister will seek advice about
Frank Short 14-Jul-2021
In today’s Island Sun newspaper it is claimed the SI Opposition Leader Hon Matthew Wale is urging the government to consider a second stimulus pNew ADB strategy to help ADB’s Pacific developing member countries improve connectivity across the Pacific over 5 year
Frank Short 14-Jul-2021
A press release from the Asia Development Bank (ADB) detailed in the Solomon Times Online today, Wednesday, is quoted saying.Local businesses benefit from donated equipment from Australia
Frank Short 14-Jul-2021
Three small enterprises have received value-adding equipment donated by the Australian Center for International Agriculture Research (ACIAR) last weekSI launches an e-commerce platform as part of the Government’s policy to develop the National Digital Economy Strategy 2021-2025.
Frank Short 14-Jul-2021
Solomon Islands will now have its own e-commerce online platform with the launching of Bulkshop’s e-commerce service.Statement by the Administrator of the UNDP, Mr. Achim Steiner
Frank Short 13-Jul-2021
Mr. Achim Steiner, Administrator of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).Covid-19: Positive cases in Fiji pass 800, three more deaths confirmed
Frank Short 12-Jul-2021
The Prime Minister is reported to have warned that if the Delta variant of Covid-19 enters the Solomon Islands “people will suffer.”Aiding the Pacific During Covid: An Update
Frank Short 12-Jul-2021
While the money is flowing, the outlook for the region has also darkened considerably.Regional Covid-19 cases reported 12 July 2021 which serve to highlight the importance of being vaccinated
Frank Short 12-Jul-2021
Fiji Covid-19: 485 new cases and three more deaths confirmed 12 July 2021A future SI Olympic athlete in the making?
Frank Short 12-Jul-2021
Jeremy Gwao in his inimitable easy and encouraging style of writing told the story of 13 years old Ellen Wusia in his piece in the Solomon Times OnlinWard Youth Committees formed in Auki
Frank Short 11-Jul-2021
The establishment of ward committees is to fulfill the National Youth Council (NYC) policy under MWYCFA to have a bridge of youth committees or counciCattle Project at Atori in East Malaita starting off
Frank Short 08-Jul-2021
The Malaita province cattle project is about to begin just as soon as funds are received from the MPG to for the erection of fencing around the stockyKava in high demand and fetching top prices in Australia says a SI journalist
Frank Short 08-Jul-2021
According to a feature story in today’s edition of the Island Sun newspaper, Brian Leztuni said, and I quote.The shocking reality of unreported incidences of rape
Frank Short 07-Jul-2021
The Family Support Centre says it strongly condemns the rape of women and young girls in the community.?Positive impact of cocoa production in Makira
Frank Short 07-Jul-2021
The Island Sun newspaper this morning reported that the MARKET Linkage Phase 11 Project of World Vision Solomon Islands in Makira Area Program haSolomon Islands largest ever domestic tourism programme wit discounted accommodation packages and 12 holiday destinations
Frank Short 07-Jul-2021
Solomon Airlines has announced an expansion of the national tourism initiative ‘Iumi Tugeda Holidays’ in time for Solomon Islands IndependStimulating economic growth in the Central Islands Province
Frank Short 05-Jul-2021
Last week Premier Stanley Manetiva of Central Province told Prime Minister Sogavare during the PM’s visit to Tulaga that the Central Ialands ProCount your blessings
Frank Short 05-Jul-2021
Sunday for me is generally a day for reflection and, given my now senior years, there is much that I can look back on.Singapore's roadmap to living with Covid-19 may preview an 'endgame'
Frank Short 05-Jul-2021
As millions of Australians endured strict lockdowns this week, Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced the government was still workingThe Development of Relocation Guidelines is a Democratic Coalition Government for Advancement (DCGA) policy priority
frank short 03-Jul-2021
According to today’s Island Sun newspaper technical studies and community consultation for the development of relocation guidelines for lowNew Zealand committed to reprioritising $120m to support Pacific economies devastated by the Covid impact of the pandemic on trade and tourism.
frank short 03-Jul-2021
New Zealand is not only a long-time diplomatic partner of the Solomon Islands but a close Pacific friend and for those reasons alone a good time to haThe SI’s National Flag and National Anthem are embodiments of national unity
frank short 03-Jul-2021
The Office of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, Ministry of Finance and Treasury and the Ministry of Commerce, Labour and Immigration welcomed the monthFiji hospital staff and patients temporarily without food
frank short 03-Jul-2021
Last week we read much about the NRH and some of the problems the hospital faced and steps being taken to help mitigate and try to resolve some of theA tribute to SI women valued and respected for their community contributions
frank short 02-Jul-2021
The Island Sun newspaper has reported that a booklet naming outstanding women of Solomon Islands was launched recently with the aim of paying tributeVocational Training Centres in SI the beneficiaries of land and sea transport funded by Australia
frank short 01-Jul-2021
Four vocational training centres in the country yesterday took delivery of new land and water transport funded by the Government of Australia throughProspects for an international airport on 600 hectares of land in East Fataleka, Malaita Province.
frank short 01-Jul-2021
The Fotana tribe from Ward 14 on East Fataleka, Malaita province has praised the government for acquiring 600 hectares of their customary land in pastNRH transforming a ward for day surgery use
frank short 01-Jul-2021
The old labour ward at the National Referral Hospital will be transformed into a multi ward, says Chief Executive Officer to NRH, Dr George Malefoasi.“PCDF Funding more effective in service delivery to address development issues faced by Provincial Governments,” says PM
frank short 01-Jul-2021
Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare announced in Tulagi this week that the National Government under his leadership will increase the Provincial CapacityMore than 3000 athletes from 39 schools to participate in a week- long tournament
frank short 01-Jul-2021
According to today’s Island Sun newspaper, the inaugural national secondary school games (NSSG) have begun. The parade through Honiara town remiPrime Minister Sogavare announces an allocation of $700,000 for the assessment and redesign of Tulagi Hospital.
frank short 30-Jun-2021
While visiting Tulagi, the Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare announced an allocation of $700,000 for the assessment and redesign of the Tulagi HospitalDomestic and international seaport infrastructures are vital for the tourism and general trading of goods for export Premier Manetiva says
frank short 30-Jun-2021
Central Islands Province (CIP) though being host to the first national capital is still without an airport.Pacific Trade Investment (PTI) Australia assisted 24 businesses in SI and facilitated over A$659.339 in exports and A$17,120 in investment
frank short 29-Jun-2021
Pacific Trade Invest (PTI) Australia, an agency of the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat, has launched its 2020 Annual Report, highlighting more thanUNDP and ILO in partnership with SI Government empowering local youths as agents for peace and social cohesion
frank short 29-Jun-2021
The Solomon Island Sun newspaper today revealed that the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and International Labor Organization (ILO), in pa(MEHRD) has commenced its 2021 training program to ensure all teachers in Solomon Islands are qualified.
frank short 29-Jun-2021
Over the next 12 months, the University of the South Pacific (USP) and Solomon Islands National University (SINU) will deliver certificate and diplomaFaster, affordable and reliable internet services in the SI a pre-condition for business and investment
frank short 29-Jun-2021
A recent survey conducted by the Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SICCI) has revealed mixed reactions from businesses regarding the iBylaws helping to strengthen and empower communities in Malaita
frank short 28-Jun-2021
The Island Sun today published the following article, which I quote.“Where the clouds meet the mountains”
frank short 28-Jun-2021
Writing a feature travel story in today’s Island Sun, staff reporter Ben Bilua wrote about (and illustrated) a beautiful local tourist spot thatIncidence of hypertension (high blood pressure) in the Solomon Islands.
frank short 27-Jun-2021
???????I wonder how many of the patients attending the National Referral Hospital recently during the reported crisis over bed shortages attended beca3000 youths motivated and discouraged from involvement in criminal activities.
frank short 27-Jun-2021
Over 3000 youths from the South Sea Evangelical Church (SSEC) are gathering at Maoro School Ward 29 in Central Kwara'ae in Malaita Province for tPrime Minister Sogavare strikes right balance talking of peaceful co-existence when addressing the security and welfare needs of border communities
frank short 27-Jun-2021
Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare highlighted the significance of security for the welfare of communities along the Solomon Islands and PNG border at aA humanitarian partnership helping rural communities with food security and sustainable agriculture
frank short 27-Jun-2021
I concerned myself at the onset of the Corona crisis in the Solomon Islands on the likelihood of job losses, health issues and particularly about foodConcern for our Pacific neighbour Fiji with 262 more Covid-19 cases, and a 7.4% positivity rate
frank short 27-Jun-2021
The latest news report from Radio New Zealand late today, Sunday, says Fiji's Covid-19 positivity rate continues to increase as health authoDisparaging comments following the posting on Facebook and Linkedin of a picture of a RSIPF fast patrol craft on SI Western border.
frank short 27-Jun-2021
Today, I wrote an article relating to the official ground breaking ceremony for the security base in Lofang.Infrastructure initiative setting a new platform for infrastructure planning and development in the Solomon Islands.
frank short 27-Jun-2021
The Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare last week witnessed the signing of the Solomon Islands Infrastructure Program (SIIP) between the Solomon Islands“Lest we forget.”
frank short 26-Jun-2021
On 7 August this year the Solomon Islands will celebrate 43 years Independence as a sovereign country although celebration events this year are most lNSW Covid situation 'worsening', premier warns of tougher restrictions
frank short 26-Jun-2021
New lockdowns have been announced for Greater Sydney, Wollongong and the Central Coast - with residents living and working in these areas told to remaThe UK’s colour coded air travel plans
frank short 25-Jun-2021
It is widely reported that people in Britain that have been fully vaccinated against Covid-19 will soon be permitted to travel by air to those countriThe SIPPA receives two ultra sound machines thanks to UNFPA and Australia
frank short 25-Jun-2021
A local newspaper report today, Friday, said with the growing demand for its services, the Solomon Islands Planned Parenthood Association (SIPPASecurity management approaches today and in the past
frank short 25-Jun-2021
I was pleased to read yesterday that the historic groundbreaking ceremony at Lofung in the Shortland Islands went well and reportedly fulfilled the wiProgress on a new Rehabilitation Workshop at the NRH
frank short 25-Jun-2021
We have all read and heard so much in the past few days of the bed shortages occurring at the National Referral Hospital and, today, the measures adopNRH’s CEO addresses current bed shortages and outlines the greater issues impacting on the hospital’s services
frank short 24-Jun-2021
Quoting from today’s Solomon Star newspaper, Dr George Malefoasi, Chief Executive Officer has spoken for the NRH, on behalf of the MinistrA concerning situation at the NRH where overcrowding is risky in the prevailing Covid-19 precautions that are deemed necessary outside the country
frank short 24-Jun-2021
In separate news today I posted on Linkedin the sad details relating to Covid-19 cases occurring in our neighbouring country, Fiji, but didn’t mShortage of beds at the NRH and sick patients delayed in being admitted to medical wards.
frank short 24-Jun-2021
An article in today’s Island Sun newspaper claimed that doctors working in the Emergency Ward at the National Referral Hospital have raised concFishing vessel cameras aim to curb catch dumping
frank short 24-Jun-2021
A subject that had been debated in New Zealand and somewhat controversial in the past seems to have led to a resolution about fishing boats being equiNRH quickly sets aside two waiting areas for discharged patients
frank short 24-Jun-2021
The National Referral Hospital (NRH) has reportedly set aside two waiting area for discharged patients.