Climate change, an existential threat to the Pacific nations

Frank Short 16-May-2022

Tuvalu fears that climate change, an existential threat to the Pacific nation, is being forgotten and it worries that fellow island nations could beco

Australia’s ongoing support for the Solomon Islands evidenced in a review of today’s local newspapers

Frank Short 16-May-2022

Contrary to the view of some pundits in Australia in the lead up to a General Election in that country the news locally is that Australia is continuin

Guadalcanal, Isabel farmers’ first shipment of premium cocoa to the United Kingdom

Frank Short 15-May-2022

A milestone achievement for 50 farmer groups and consolidators across Guadalcanal and Isabel provinces as they sent a first shipment of premium cocoa

Attention and creativity in solving developmental needs of constituents

Frank Short 14-May-2022

I hope I haven’t offended anyone in contributing this piece, but my only desire is to see the kind of development and welfare assistance to the

Balancing the “hard stuff” in our daily news

Frank Short 14-May-2022

Chinese brothers use hand cart to pull their sick mother from the hospital 22 miles to their home

Worries about the Solomon Islands

Frank Short 13-May-2022

I came across the following piece online, and I couldn’t actually find a source, but reproduce it below as a direct quote. 

Scientists bring dead eyes back to life

Frank Short 13-May-2022

But experts said the new research had gone one step further, restoring b-waves - the slow, rhythmic oscillations recorded in living brains.

"People in Their 30s and 40s Dying:” A lesson for the SI from Fiji

Frank Short 13-May-2022

So just how significant is this innovation, which sits on thousands of Fijians’ smartphones?

Closing the gap – with Artificial Intelligence (AI) in mind

Frank Short 12-May-2022

I hope that will happen or the gap between the working practices of China and the Solomon Islands will long remain.

Medical and dental services by ship to remote regions of the Solomon Islands

Frank Short 12-May-2022

Specifically the medical ship will focus on the isolated northeast part of Vanua Levu where outreaches will be conducted there and nearby.

How to tackle the Long Covid threat, and how not to

Frank Short 12-May-2022

Long Covid poses a threat to New Zealand that we must address.

“There is no smoke without fire.”

Frank Short 11-May-2022

What does one believe in such circumstances and what are we to think of both reports and where does the truth rest?

Allegation of threatening violence

Frank Short 11-May-2022

In an article published in today’s Solomon Star newspaper there is an article alleging that a well known public figure used words threatening vi

Engineers Create an Enzyme That Breaks Down Plastic Waste in Hours, Not Decades

Frank Short 10-May-2022

We could even use the enzyme variant to clean up sites contaminated by plastic pollution, say the team that developed it.

Constant use of the surname in writing in the Solomon Islands

Frank Short 10-May-2022

Am I simply too sensitive to the frequent use of only a surname in correspondence?

MPGIS met Malaita govt on major community management project

Frank Short 10-May-2022

The Deputy Premier Glen Waneta and members of Malaita Provincial Assembly and heads of divisions were part of the meeting with MPGIS.

Potential measles outbreak and the importance of childhood immunization coverage

Frank Short 10-May-2022

Health Minister Dr Culwick Togamana voiced this when addressing the recent commemoration of the World Immunisation Day in Honiara.

Explainer: Why are there so many new Omicron sub-variants, like BA.4 and BA.5?

Frank Short 09-May-2022

The first two were labelled BA.1 and BA.2. The current list now also includes BA.1.1, BA.3, BA.4 and BA.5.

NZ GOVERNMENT SPENDING $230 MILLION ON AN APPRENTICESHIP BOOST SCHEME

Frank Short 09-May-2022

The second-year subsidy rate would remain at the current $500 a month until the initiative ends in December 2023.

Turning seawater into drinking water with less power than a cell phone charger

Frank Short 09-May-2022

With the Solomon Islands need for reliable access to clean, safe drinking water, I share with readers a story about the early development of a portabl

The link between cancer and fat explained

Frank Short 08-May-2022

Around 11 per cent of colorectal cancer cases in Europe have been attributed to obesity, with the risk factor being particularly notable in men.

5647 new Covid cases, three deaths, and BA.5 variant detected at border in New Zealand

Frank Short 08-May-2022

In today's statement, the Ministry of Health said there were 350 people in hospital, up from 339 yesterday, with 17 people in ICU.

Proposed Bina developments to aid jobs, exports and the national economy

Frank Short 08-May-2022

I envisage the plant to be on a much larger scale that the tuna processing factory already operating in Noro and consequently its full operational wil

Cancer news needing public awareness of the risks to health in the SI

Frank Short 07-May-2022

"It is likely that having varied guidance for people would be confusing, counterproductive and also potentially patronising."

A much broader security focus in the SI

Frank Short 06-May-2022

Mr.Dinnen touched upon a real, core issue when he said, quote.

Interdependence of health security and health systems highlighted – a message that should resonate in the SI

Frank Short 06-May-2022

An allied report "Investing in our future: Building strong and resilient health systems in the Indo-Pacific region" was also released this w

PM Says Rural Development is the Key to Development

Frank Short 05-May-2022

The Prime Minister and delegation arrived back from Kirakira on Thursday 5th May.

Solomon Islands if NOT your ‘backyard.’

Frank Short 04-May-2022

He said the term ‘Backyard’ is very insulating and disrespectful.

Time to Reprioritise Girls’ Education

Frank Short 04-May-2022

In 2018, for example, just 23% of Australia’s aid spending on education was targeted at children, according to World Vision’s analysis of

Transformative Project set to Deliver Thousands of Jobs and Economic Security for Solomon Islands

Frank Short 04-May-2022

The project is expected to create 1,600 jobs at the Malaita processing plant, mostly for women. It's estimated a further 4,000 jobs will be creat

MIT scientists claim they can reverse hearing loss with a 2-hour treatment

Frank Short 03-May-2022

Additionally, as the program matures and grows, the scientists believe it could get much easier to administer.

UNCDF Partners with Our Telekom to Develop Mobile Money Services in Solomon Islands

Frank Short 03-May-2022

The UN Capital Development Fund (UNCDF) is embarking on a joint historic project with Our Telekom to launch mobile money services in Solomon Islands i

A free press is essential to democracy

Frank Short 03-May-2022

May 3 is World Press Freedom Day, a day declared by the UN to observe and raise awareness of freedom of the press. It is also intended to remind gover

China (PRC) said to be funding a new Comprehensive Medical Centre at the NRH

Frank Short 03-May-2022

According to an article published by the Solomon Star today, Tuesday, the People’s Republic of China Embassy (PRC) in Solomon Islands will

SOLOMON WATER AWARDS KONGULAI WATER TREATMENT PLANT PROJECT

Frank Short 02-May-2022

Solomon Water has awarded a $130M contract for the construction of its new Kongulai Water Treatment Plant and pipeline Project (Bid No. SW0402021) to

The Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources has conveyed “greetings and best wishes” on behalf of the Government to Tuna Stakeholders and people around country

Frank Short 02-May-2022

The Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources today (May 2) has conveyed “greetings and best wishes” on behalf of the Government to Tuna

Disabled people’s rights and needs during the Covid-19 situation in the SI

Frank Short 02-May-2022

In a lengthy opinion piece by Chris Ford, a freelance writer in New Zealand he says the New Zealand government must be accountable to address its alle

Assessing the use and impact of fuel based lighting in the Solomon Islands in 2022

Frank Short 01-May-2022

It is some years now since I read that a rural health clinic was using kerosene lamps for lighting when delivering babies and in one village a corresp

Air Canada and Solomon Airlines joined forces to airlift medical aids to Solomon Islands

Frank Short 30-Apr-2022

In a statement both Air Canada and Solomon Airlines have shown their support to this humanitarian response.

Servicing and regular maintenance of essential hospital equipment

Frank Short 30-Apr-2022

 My appeals for help with providing a mammogram machine to Japan and New Zealand have, so far, gone unanswered.

Water and sanitation in the Pacific continue to be dire

Frank Short 30-Apr-2022

Writing on this matter, Tony Ho Tran in the publication, ‘Daily Beast’ said today, and I quote.

Welcome and encouraging words from Premier Daniel Sudani

Frank Short 29-Apr-2022

MALAITA Provincial Premier, Daniel Suidani has encouraged people to work together with governments to trigger and achieve development. 

New SBD$16 million dollar health facility at Avuavu will benefit up to 7000 people with expanded health services

Frank Short 29-Apr-2022

He added other Ministries like lands need to work with them to deal with the situation.

Mammogram out of service at the NRH Cancer Unit

Frank Short 29-Apr-2022

Minister of Health and Medical Services Dr. Culwick Togamana early this week confirmed that the machine is not working.

Promises made by the US delegation to the Solomon Islands

Frank Short 28-Apr-2022

I’m sure I saw such a promise having been made, but the assurance I would like to see confirmed.

SIG concludes talks with WB on infrastructure projects,including aviation, road and bridge investments

Frank Short 28-Apr-2022

Mr Dentana thanked the World Bank Group SIRAP 2 Project team that finalized project documents regardless of the limited timeframe.

China reportedly to fund a cardiac theatre at the NRH

Frank Short 27-Apr-2022

This was confirmed by the Minister of Health and Medical Services, Dr Culwick Togamana yesterday in Parliament.

Diabetes in the Solomon reportedly increasing everyday.

Frank Short 27-Apr-2022

Many other patients are admitted with leg infections which generally result in a leg amputation, and some say as many as six amputations every week.

Will the Chinese offer of a cardiac theatre for the NRH lead to aiding RHD sufferer’s patients of the hospital?

Frank Short 27-Apr-2022

I much welcome the news today that the Government of China (PRC) is to build a cardiac theatre at the National Referral Hospital

SI’s ENERGY MINISTER DELIVERS COUNTRY STATEMENT AT ASIA-PACIFIC WATER SUMMIT

Frank Short 26-Apr-2022

He added that the COVID-19 pandemic in Solomon Islands have highlighted the need to improve water and food security in the country.

Second wave of Covid-19 being taken too lightly, says the Secretary to the PM

Frank Short 26-Apr-2022

He added in terms of vaccination the rate it is increasing and that is good news.

How is the Solomon Islands poised for the re-opening of air borders in July for the return of tourism?

Frank Short 25-Apr-2022

The organisation, which has 20 government members, is the mandated representative for tourism in the Pacific.

Solomon Islands has recorded 1,226 new Covid-19 cases in the past 72 hours

Frank Short 25-Apr-2022

“Total in Honiara is 6,662 with 1105 cases added in current 2nd wave since April 13”.

SOLOMON ISLANDS – UNITED STATES BILATERAL TALKS REPORTEDLY A SUCCESS: US COMMITTED TO DO MORE

Frank Short 24-Apr-2022

US’s core concern is China establishing a military base in Solomon Islands, this will have regional security implications.

The US reportedly re-establishing its Embassy in Honiara and promising to aid the SI with medical aid and with unexploded ordnance

Frank Short 24-Apr-2022

“So, yeah, that was, I think, a mistake for the United States over a long time.”

Commitment to the clearing of unexploded WW2 ordinance in the Solomon Islands

Frank Short 23-Apr-2022

The high-level US delegation is in Honiara for discussions, a key concern being the recently signed security treaty between Solomon Islands and China.

Screening for cancer in the Solomon Islands

Frank Short 22-Apr-2022

 I don’t know the situation at the NRH for the testing of cervical cancer for women and PSA testing for men for the possibility of having p

A second former SI Prime Minister speaks out saying his country requires economic solutions not a security pact

Frank Short 22-Apr-2022

Mr. Lilo was supporting calls for the document to be made public in the interest of transparency and accountability.

Former SI Prime Minister, Danny Pilillip, speaks out and says it as it is

Frank Short 22-Apr-2022

“This is often our development partners left the issues for us to deal with it ourselves,” Phillip said.

West Kwaio Clinics reportedly run out of drugs and medical supplies

Frank Short 21-Apr-2022

Local Doctor Joyce Lefoto’o said she witnessed this sad situation herself, during a recent trip to her home village in West Kwaio Constituency.

Birthday of H.M. the Queen

Frank Short 21-Apr-2022

H.M Queen Elizabeth II ascended to the throne on 2 February 1952 and this year celebrates her Platinum Jubliee.

Graphic health warnings on tobacco products in effect in Solomon Islands from 2015

Frank Short 21-Apr-2022

 Images and messages include smoking causing lung cancer and blindness as well as harming unborn babies.

MFMR TRIALS JUVENILE SEA CUCUMBER TRANSFER TO OPEN REEF SYSTEMS

Frank Short 21-Apr-2022

This was announced by the Minister of Fisheries and Marine Resources, Hon. Nestor Giro in Parliament during the current budget session this week.

Prime Minister Sogavare promises to disclose China security treaty

Frank Short 21-Apr-2022

Mr.Sogavare stated this when responding to Opposition leader Mathew Wale in parliament yesterday.

FISHERIES MINISTER OUTLINES 2022 DEVELOPMENT BUDGET SPENDING

Frank Short 21-Apr-2022

The Government has allocated a total of SB$15 million to the Ministry under the 2022 development budget to address these four policy strategic actions

Mechanisms of cancer cell killing by sea cucumber-derived compounds

Frank Short 20-Apr-2022

 Sea cucumbers are one of many potential marine animals that contain valuable nutrients and medicinal properties

Five types of bacteria linked to aggressive prostate cancer – study

Frank Short 20-Apr-2022

The bacteria were common in urine and tissue samples from men with the condition, a new study found.

Work to commence soon to replace three old and and run down road bridges in Malaita Province

Frank Short 20-Apr-2022

Junior Geranium, a crew member of Half Kas Transport serving the East Road in Malaita said he is happy that the Bio bridges will be improved.

GOV’T PLANS DEFICIT OF $972.6 MILLION IN 2022 BUDGET

Frank Short 20-Apr-2022

Minister Kuma said the Government is conscious that the two shocks including covid-19 and the recent riots will severely impact the economy in 2022.

FIFTY PERCENT DUTY EXEMPTION ON FUEL IMPORTS ANNOUNCED

Frank Short 19-Apr-2022

This is to ensure that the current increase in fuel prices does not have a serious impact on all businesses, especially those in rural areas.

Try to focus on the present during times of uncertainty and let us be given factual news leading to hope, encouragement and trust in a better future

Frank Short 19-Apr-2022

 And now with the shocking invasion of Ukraine by Russia, and despite my senior years, I relive those earlier childhood fears.

Cancer vaccine using same tech as Covid jabs could be a 'game-changer'

Frank Short 19-Apr-2022

The potential vaccines are being heralded as a 'game-changer' that could help overcome America's second-biggest cause of death.

Type 2 diabetics could add a decade to their lives, scientists say

Frank Short 19-Apr-2022

But they warned gains were much lower among older patients, underlining the need for early intervention.

129 graduate nurses on internship to boost nurse numbers

Frank Short 19-Apr-2022

He said this internship program will qualify them to undergo a part two (full) registration. 

GOV’T COMMITED TO RESUME MAJOR PROJECTS

Frank Short 19-Apr-2022

Minister of Finance and Treasury, Hon. Harry Kuma announced this resumption when tabling the 2022 Appropriation Bill in Parliament Thursday last week.

GOV’T APPROVES $200 MILLION REHABILITATION PACKAGE FOR BUSINESSES DESTROYED DURING CIVIL UNREST

Frank Short 19-Apr-2022

Minister of Finance and Treasury, Hon. Harry Kuma announced this resumption when tabling the 2022 Appropriation Bill in Parliament Thursday last week.

Call for free education for students with special needs

Frank Short 18-Apr-2022

e Malaita Province Youth Council (MPYC) has called on all school Administrations and Boards in the country to consider offering free education to all

Cancer diagnosis and treatment breakthroughs offering hope to suffers of the often killer disease

Frank Short 18-Apr-2022

The Solomon Islands has a high rate of cancer disease and being a sufferer of advanced, progressive cancer myself I have empathy for those suffering t

Immune cells in prostate can be activated to destroy cancer cells, research shows

Frank Short 17-Apr-2022

As one now battling with advanced prostate cancer and having to deal daily with the very severe side effects of hormone therapy, I found the following

PM SOGAVARE CONVEYS EASTER GREETINGS TO THE NATION

Frank Short 16-Apr-2022

Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare on Friday conveyed his Easter Greetings to the Nation, with a special thought for the sick in hospitals and frontline

Could traditional medicine be incorporated as part of the national health care system?

Frank Short 16-Apr-2022

Last month Georgina Kekea writing in the Solomon Times Online told how many individuals on Wagina said their recovery from COVID-19 was because of her

Will we eventually see Covid-19 treated as just another endemic illness like the flu?

Frank Short 16-Apr-2022

The WHO has warned against treating COVID-19 as endemic, saying there is still a 'huge amount of uncertainty and a virus that is still evolving.

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