Challenges putting the agricultural sector under pressure
frank short 06-May-2021
According to news reported in today’s copy of the Island Sun newspaper the country’s State of Environment Report has highlighted thatVanilla farming fulfilling a primary objective proposed in 2014
frank short 06-May-2021
In September 2019, I wrote encouraging local Solomon Islands farmers to start growing vanilla due to increasing global demand. This is what I wroteTownship Development Project described as a historic milestone
frank short 06-May-2021
Last Friday during the groundbreaking ceremony of the Mamara Township Development Project the Prime Minister said the project was a historic milestoneIs there planning provided in the new Mamara City Development project for a medical centre on site?
frank short 06-May-2021
The Guadalcanal Premier, Francis Mbelande Sade officiated at the launching of the multi-million-dollar Mamara New City project in North West GuadalcanPreparations begin for the construction of Solomon Islands national stadium
frank short 06-May-2021
Construction on the new Solomon Islands national stadium in Honiara is set to get underway this week as preparations for the 2023 Pacific Games move uLong-awaited New Zealand-Cook Islands travel bubble to start 17 May
frank short 06-May-2021
The Cook Islands bubble will open later this month, allowing two-way quarantine-free travel between both countries, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern hasWorld Tuna Day: What does it mean for the Pacific?
frank short 04-May-2021
Radio New Zealand today featured a personal perspective on World Tuna Day written by a professional tuna expert, scientist and institutional fisheriesFloods hampering Covid-19 response in Fiji
frank short 04-May-2021
I believe there are many in the Solomon Islands with family and friends in Fiji and who will have concerns for the ongoing situation in the country asNew drug for sufferers of breast cancer being administered in the United Kingdom
frank short 04-May-2021
The Solomon Islands has reportedly regained its Covid free status and one must give credit to all concerned for this achievement, the SIG, the MHMS, tFiji tightens lockdown as Covid cases rise
frank short 04-May-2021
The Solomon Islands is now Covid free but the Fiji's government has taken the most drastic measures since Covid-19 hit the country in MarchArctic glaciers may be melting sooner than thought
frank short 04-May-2021
To small islands states in the Pacific, and the Solomon Island’s low lying islands and exposed atolls are no exception, climate change is a realA new city in the making with the Mamara project
frank short 04-May-2021
In a week in which I have put the focus on job opportunities and job creation for local people the Mamara City project is said to employ 800 local peoBina Harbour onshore processing plant with the economy and job prospects in mind
frank short 03-May-2021
Last December, when speaking in Parliament, the Minister of Fisheries and Marine Resources MFMR), Nestor Ghiro said initial work on the proposed BinaPre-Employment (PET) training commences at the Tina River Development Project Office
frank short 03-May-2021
In a letter that I wrote to the local media yesterday, Tuesday, I expressed my hopes about what I saw as growing employment opportunities for SolomonAdvancing disability rights in the Solomon Islands
frank short 03-May-2021
I am contributing this piece very much as a “sounding board” in the hope there will follow some advice, information and guidance forthcomiDiet is shown to lower diabetes and cardiovascular risk to boost health and lifespan
frank short 03-May-2021
The Prime Minister recently paid a visit to the site of the various sports venues being readied for the 2023 Pacific Games in Honiara.Solomon Islands again Covid free but let us spare a thought for our neighbor, PNG.
frank short 03-May-2021
Radio New Zealand today, Thursday, reports that doctors in Papua New Guinea say the coronavirus crisis is only getting worse as some hospitals shDomestic holiday packages gaining popularity, says Solomon Airlines
frank short 03-May-2021
Solomon Airlines Commercial Manager, Colling Sigamanu told the media in a press conference on Tuesday this week that the local “Iumi Tugeda&rdquHoping for more overseas employment chances for Solomon Islanders
frank short 03-May-2021
I scan regional and foreign news on a daily basis to see whether job opportunities are being made available to Solomon Islanders as seasonal workers,Screening process underway for work under the Australian Labour Mobility Program (LMP)
frank short 03-May-2021
???????I wrote several letters to the local SI media in the past few days in which I expressed hopes for Solomon Islanders to be able to travel to AusSolomon Islands Independent Commission Against Corruption set to recruit the Commissions staff positions
frank short 03-May-2021
Welcome news was published in an article in today’s Solomon Times Online which referred to the local Anti-Corruption Commission rolling out planNew Zealand's glaciers melting faster, thinning by 1.5m a year
frank short 29-Apr-2021
Some of my letters this last week focused on the US President Jo Biden’s virtual summit held on climate change and the impact global warming isEmployment opportunities in Australia for Solomon Islanders.
frank short 29-Apr-2021
Yesterday I wrote that over 200 Solomon Islanders had travelled to Australia recently to take up paid employment as seasonal workers on Australian agrSI Government committed to an equitable and inclusive economy in which citizens will benefit from economic opportunities
frank short 29-Apr-2021
Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare, during his speech at the launching of the recent National Financial Inclusion Strategy 3 said, “In the past yeSolair resilient and looking forward to a sustainable future, says Solair’s new Chairman
frank short 29-Apr-2021
Solomon Airlines newly appointed Chairman Mr. Frank Wickham said today he was very confident of a sustainable future for the national carrier, despiteSolomon Islands: Witnessing jobs on the rise.
frank short 29-Apr-2021
As one with having a keen eye on the Solomon Islands for many years and also one especially interested in development improvements in infrastructure,Vandalism of public property
frank short 29-Apr-2021
I feel sure many others than the Central Bank of Solomon Islands (CBSI) are equally appalled by the recent destruction of the Bank of South Pacific (BSFA makes a significant donation for a two-container size medical laboratory for Good Samaritan Hospital
frank short 27-Apr-2021
A news article in today’s Island Sun newspaper reports that the SI Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) says it remains grateful towarIs cultural unawareness lacking and needing to be cultivated?
frank short 27-Apr-2021
The RSIPF at Henderson Police Station are investigating an incident involving a group of armed men who entered the Metropolis Development site at MamaProgress made with malaria elimination over the past decade
frank short 27-Apr-2021
“Health may not be everything, but nothing else matters without health.” (Dr. Sarthak Das)The impact of climate change and the resistance to relocation in the face of sea rise
frank short 27-Apr-2021
US President Joe Biden delivered new pledges during his Climate Change Summit in the past couple of days, saying the US would double climate fundWorld's most effective malaria vaccine developed in UK
frank short 26-Apr-2021
Sky News has reported today, Friday, that the world's most effective malaria vaccine has been developed byA roundup of news arising from President Joe Biden’s virtual summit on climate change
frank short 26-Apr-2021
The Marshall Islands was the only small Pacific country to be invited to the Biden summit and spoke up for its small island nations.Pursuing the needs of the disabled, especially amputees and those needing wheel chairs.
frank short 26-Apr-2021
In continuing to try and meet the needs of the disabled in the Solomon Islands, I found an article I believe was published in the Solomon Star newspapIs there a link with deafness in the SI and malaria?
frank short 26-Apr-2021
In the last few days I read that there had been an increase in malaria cases in Malaita province compared to the figures available for 2019.Lomlom airport terminal said to be an eyesore and needing urgent attention
frank short 26-Apr-2021
In a recent Editorial piece in the Solomon Star newspaper, the Lomlon airport terminal is said to be an eyesore and without toilet facilities.Experiments being conducted on whether a single pill home cure for Covid will work
frank short 26-Apr-2021
Writing in today’s UK’s The Telegraph, Paul Nuki said at two anonymous Pfizer buildings, one in the US and one in Belgium, a remarkable exUS commits to tougher climate change action at summit
frank short 26-Apr-2021
Today’s Radio New Zealand news bulletin for the Pacific carried this information, and I quoteThe sad plight of amputees in the Solomon Islands
frank short 26-Apr-2021
Recently, veteran journalist Alfred Sasako, wrote to me in Thailand and asked me to comment on an appeal I had made for a modular building for the NatSolomons HOH orphanage needing humanitarian assistance
frank short 26-Apr-2021
In March 2016, Radio New Zealand relayed an appeal made by the Hearts of Hope Charity on Malaita when the Founder of HOH, Janet Justice Aihari, said tAlarming news that 3,000 babies are dying every year from an estimated 20,000 babies born throughout the country.
frank short 22-Apr-2021
Minister of Home Affairs, Christopher Laore confirmed this when asked by Leader of Opposition, Mathew Wale during the Committee of SupplyRSIPF Community Policing Unit might need a Mandarin speaking police liaison officer
frank short 22-Apr-2021
It might be a little premature to make the suggestion to consider having a Chinese, Mandarin speaker assigned to the RSIPF Community PolicANZ Bank and volunteers have re-built the perimeter retaining wall and carried out general repairs at the RCSDC
frank short 22-Apr-2021
This week I wrote a letter referring to the Red Cross Special Disability Centre (RCSDC) in Honiara and mentioned the premises are situated in a low lyMarshall Islands gets seat at Biden climate summit and vows to speak for the Pacific
frank short 22-Apr-2021
According to the latest news from Radio New Zealand today, Thursday, the Marshall Islands says it will ensure the Pacific voices are heardPacific plan on how to decarbonize global shipping by 2050
frank short 22-Apr-2021
Albon Ishoda, the Ambassador of the Republic of the Marshall Islands to Fiji in an opinion piece relayed by Radio New Zealand today, said, industry isJapan providing an additional SBD$26.5 million to the Honiara International Airport Improvement Project
frank short 21-Apr-2021
Moffat Mamu, writing in today’s Solomon Star newspaper has said JAPAN will provide an additional SBD of $26.5 million to fill the financial gapHoniara Red Cross Special Development Centre (RCSDC) receives donated stationery
frank short 21-Apr-2021
I was pleased to have learned today that the ‘Eve Zumba Exercise Class’ in Honiara has donated, as part of its charity initiatives, schoolAustralia boosts local horticulture businesses to improve organic fertilizer production
frank short 21-Apr-2021
Today, there is good news that the Australian Government through its initiative, Strongim Bisnis, launched a new partnership with two Solomon IslandsSolomon Islands has expanded its eligibility criteria for the AstraZeneca Covid-19 vaccination
frank short 21-Apr-2021
Today’s Solomon Times Online reported in an article that as of 16th April a total of 3479 within the prioritized groups for vaccination in HoniaPrime Minister Scott Morrison speaks on the road to net zero carbon emissions - and Australia may not get there before 2050'
frank short 21-Apr-2021
Quoting from the Australian Associated Press today, Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison has pledged to protect industry as Australia heads towardReflecting on today’s social conditions prompted by population rise generally and in Honiara
frank short 20-Apr-2021
In a letter I contributed today I mentioned how the Minister of Education and Human Resources had told Parliament last week how the budget allocationDiabetes type 2 symptoms: 15 signs of high blood sugar damage on the body
frank short 20-Apr-2021
I hope that I might be excused for once again raising the concerns I have over the prevalence of Type 2 diabetes for people at risk of the disease inHM the Queen and her family bid farewell to HRH Prince Philip
frank short 20-Apr-2021
The Queen (and Sovereign of the Solomon Islands) yesterday led her family in mourning at the funeral of her husband, the late His Royal Highness, PrinBudget allocation inadequate to support infrastructure development of schools, says Education Minister.
frank short 20-Apr-2021
The Minister of Education and Human Resources, Ms Lannelle Tanangada, told Parliament last week that the development budget for the education infrastrUK Government to set ambitious 2035 emissions target in climate fight
frank short 20-Apr-2021
The British Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, is set to announce ambitious cuts to the UK’s greenhouse gas emissions – but has been warned thAn iceberg that was once the world’s largest melts away
Frank Short 19-Apr-2021
I wrote a few days ago about the plea made in Parliament by SI’s Foreign Minister in which he cited the impact climate change is having on low lA personal thought on the Australian Aid Investment Plan for the SI with human development in mind
Frank Short 19-Apr-2021
In terms of the existing Solomon Islands Police Development Program (SIPDP) it is reported the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (SIPF) is building 2Ahead of the Biden summit on climate change Australia urged to halve emissions by 2030
Frank Short 19-Apr-2021
I wrote last week how US President Joe Biden had called on world leaders to attend a virtual summit on climate change this week and nowPacific environMHMS Covid operations aided by a gift of 2 buses from the New Zealand Government
Frank Short 19-Apr-2021
The Solomon Times Online today had information on the MHMS’ acquisition of two buses to support Covid operations with the help of New Zealand.Australia’s Freight Assistance Package Provides Relief to Pacific Exporters
Frank Short 19-Apr-2021
The Pacific Islands Forum Secretary General, Dame Meg Taylor, said PTI Australia’s Freight Assistance Package is a proactive example of understaChina, US agree on need for stronger climate commitments
Frank Short 19-Apr-2021
Radio New Zealand has reported Chyna and the United States agree that stronger pledges to fight climate change should be introduced before a new roundSeeking employment opportunities for SI youths a priority of the government, Foreign Minister tells Parliament
Frank Short 16-Apr-2021
Quoting from a press release issued by the GCU and republished in today’s Solomon Times Online, the the National Government is progressing aheadSeeking employment opportunities for SI youths a priority of the government, Foreign Minister tells Parliament
Frank Short 16-Apr-2021
Over 170 Solomon Islands men and women reportedly travelled to Queensland this month to work under the Australian Seasonal Workers Programme and LabouA strong climate change plea from the Solomon Islands
Frank Short 16-Apr-2021
last week when making a speech in Parliament in relation to the debate on the budget, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and External Trade, Hon. JeremiaFormer SI Prime Minister has urged government support for the SIICAC and raised the spectre of $300 million of “dead money.”
Frank Short 16-Apr-2021
Early this month in Parliament in delivering his speech on the budget debate the former SI Prime Minister, Rick Hou urged the government to support thThe Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme for youth leadership and self-improvement training
Frank Short 16-Apr-2021
On Tuesday this week, Jeremy Gwao writing in the Solomon Times Online told the story of David Alufo'oa, a 33 years old young man from Central KwaFAMOA Council of Chiefs taking the lead in the rollout of COVID-19 vaccines in the Shortland Islands
Frank Short 15-Apr-2021
“COVID-19 is real. It is spreading very quickly across the border. Please, all of you above 18 years old are vaccinated. Protect yourselves, youFood security importance prompts government farming activities to move to Tenaru
Frank Short 15-Apr-2021
The Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock will be using the former Tenaru field experiment station to develop for its farming activities.Proposed planned government and church policy for for the betterment and advancement of all citizens
Frank Short 15-Apr-2021
The role of Christian institutions in the Solomon Islands has long been the very fabric of society and recent Easter celebrations gave witness to manyEncouraging domestic holiday travel amidst gloomy international travel hopes
Frank Short 15-Apr-2021
Tourism Solomon Islands has some amazing domestic holiday packages advertised and illustrated by beautiful holiday spots and I hope many in the SolomoSolomon Islands Covid-19 oversight system demonstrated to be effective
Frank Short 14-Apr-2021
In today’s Solomon Star newspaper an article mentions Solomon Islands has recorded to-date 20 positive coronavirus cases.SWP workers in Australia want to earn to a higher income but lack the opportunity to do so, according to a Research Fellow.
Frank Short 14-Apr-2021
In a piece in today’s Solomon Times Online, Richard Curtain. a Research Fellow at the Australian National University, is mentioned as having conRSIPF community awareness talks warn of the threat of Covid-19 on the Western border
Frank Short 14-Apr-2021
The operational aspects of community policing at its best was demonstrated last week when the RSIPF’ Deputy Commisioner, Juanita Matanga, OBE, QTaking a look at the local and regional tourism sector and the way Covid-19 has impacted on the industry
Frank Short 14-Apr-2021
The tourism industry in Solomon Islands.along with several of its closest neighbours in the Pacific has been hit hard since March 2020 when the Covid-Ongoing concerns over the rights and needs of people with disabilities
Frank Short 14-Apr-2021
Over many years in the Solomon Islands there has been much talk about help for people with disabilities and I. for, one have most often raised concernProtection of personal data must be guaranteed if vaccine passports come into use
Frank Short 14-Apr-2021
I have been writing most recently about the prospect of so called vaccine passports coming into use when the opportunity again arises for internSolomon Islands rural health care facilities need urgent re-building
Frank Short 14-Apr-2021
While acknowledging that the Solomon Islands has made some progress on health outcomes in the years I have been away from the country, the nation facePRC funding captured in the budget and a specific requirement on RCDF spending made clear
Frank Short 14-Apr-2021
It was disclosed in an article published by the Island Sun newspaper today that the PRC has mandated MPs to spend $360,000 of their $1.8 millionA Cruel Twist of Fate
Frank Short 13-Apr-2021
Today, I have been reflected on news via Radio New Zealand of the death of a former governor and Member of Parliament for the Eastern Highlands ProvinANZ Bank donates money for a new air conditioner in the NRHs Cancer Ward
Frank Short 13-Apr-2021
It is come to my notice that the ANZ Bank in Honiara recently donated money for a new air conditioner in the NRH’s Cancer Ward, replacing the olAn immediate Pacific travel bubble suggests NZs National Party leader Judith Collins
Frank Short 13-Apr-2021
According to the latest news from Radio New Zealand today, the NZNational Partty leader Judith Collins says there's no reason Pacific nations canSI Government set to increase taxes in a bid to control smoking, contribute to a clean environment and combat NCDs
Frank Short 13-Apr-2021
The Minister of Finance and Treasury, Harry Kuma, confirmed the promised new tax measures when he tabled the $4 billion budget in Parliament yesterday