Governor General makes a call for respect of the principles of democracy and rule of law

Frank Short 29-Mar-2022

Governor General (GG) Sir David Vunagi, GCMG, says it’s important to respect the principles of representative democracy and rule of law.

NRH patients’ meals alleged to be limited because of government’s financial woes

Frank Short 29-Mar-2022

Evidence of the government’s financial woes is now hitting hard on services at the country’s main hospital – the National Referral H

Covid-19 cases reach 10, 738 and a new vaccine becomes available in the SI

Frank Short 28-Mar-2022

It was revealed by the Incident Controller within the Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS), Dr Nemia Bainivalu during the radio talk back sh

Launch of the KGA PIRUS Project

Frank Short 28-Mar-2022

The Solomon Star news said the KGA had the recent  opportunity to host Australian High Commissioner to Solomon Islands, Dr Lachlan Strahan a

Japanese assistance once more solves a classroom shortage at a local school

Frank Short 28-Mar-2022

 The sealing of an agreement between Vurango School on Choiseul Province and the Government and people of Japan for the construction of a classro

“SI is a sovereign nation and decides sovereign decisions but it is argued it is about recognising that this is a shared conversation.”

Frank Short 28-Mar-2022

The draft agreement between the Solomon Islands and China marks a significant shift in China's influence in the region, as Pacific countries asse

Call for the re-establishment of the ROMAC programmme at the NRH.

Frank Short 27-Mar-2022

I must confess it has been easy to have been side tracked today, Sunday, by seeing on my TV the terrible scene witnessed taking place in Ukraine and r

Japan’s grant assistance for grassroots human security projects

Frank Short 27-Mar-2022

Over successive years since my time in the Solomon Islands (in the late 90’s) I have seen the Government of Japan offer financial assistance in

Cheap solar powered computers – a worthy initiative

Frank Short 27-Mar-2022

Local Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Company, Inoovate Tech Solutions might be new to the scene, but a genuine concern for education

Climate action scholarships for small nation students launched in partnership with HRH The Prince of Wales

Frank Short 27-Mar-2022

Students from small island nations will be supported in their work to address climate change through new scholarships inspired by His Royal Highness T

SI Covid-19 Update:

Frank Short 26-Mar-2022

 The cumulative total for the country, yesterday, stood at 10,426.

Australia and Solomon Islands working together as a Pacific family

Frank Short 26-Mar-2022

Dr Strahan said, ‘Work will be prioritised to support communications in Honiara in advance of the 2023 Pacific Games.

PM encouraging GPPOL to expand its operations

Frank Short 26-Mar-2022

The GPPOL executive was led by General Manager Noor Azam Mohd Nasir, accompanied by two senior officials. 

SOLOMON ISLANDS BROADENS SECURIY COOPERATION WITH MORE PARTNERS

Frank Short 25-Mar-2022

Solomon Islands also applaud all development support and assistance from all partners including China, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, United States, a

RSIPF Fire Services receive PPE equipment from its AFP Policing Partner

Frank Short 25-Mar-2022

Gary is working with the RSIPF Fire officers on the delivery of training, equipment maintenance and management.

SIAF term extended in the Solomon Islands until December 2023

Frank Short 25-Mar-2022

Australia has agreed to extend the Solomon International Assistance Force (SIAF) under the Bilateral Security Treaty until December 2023.

Solomon Islands Gets Approval to Use Tocilizumab for Treatment of Severe COVID-19 Cases

Frank Short 25-Mar-2022

Tocilizumab is the second drug ever recommended by the WHO for COVID-19 treatment after recommending dexamethasone in September 2020.

Trees part of an environmental and economic transformation in the Aruligo part of Guadalcanal

Frank Short 25-Mar-2022

The long-term benefits of the Isi Akson project are easy to see.

China-Solomon Islands alleged security agreement leaked on social media and already ringing alarm bells in the region

Frank Short 25-Mar-2022

The Australian government is expressing anxiety about the leaked (alleged) security agreement.

Solomon Islands Signs Police Cooperation Agreement with China

Frank Short 24-Mar-2022

Hon. Veke appreciates the police support provided by Ministry of Public Security of People’s Republic of China.

GoFundMe an online fundraiser plattform

Frank Short 24-Mar-2022

I wrote a letter to the fundraiser organization, based in the United States, but am still waiting for a reply to my letter.

Government issues new Travel Advisory

Frank Short 24-Mar-2022

Special Secretary to the Prime Minister Albert Kabui announced the new Travel Advisory Number 21 during a press conference yesterday.

TOURISM SECTOR GEARS UP FOR BORDER RE-OPENING

Frank Short 24-Mar-2022

The tourism industry is the sector that has been hardest hit due to the covid-pandemic.

POLICE MINISTER VEKE COMMENDS SI-PRC MOU ON POLICE COOPERATION

Frank Short 24-Mar-2022

Hon. Veke appreciates the police support provided by Ministry of Public Security of People’s Republic of China.

Covid-19 positive cases in SI surpass 10,00 but the 7day rolling average since the outbreak has declined

Frank Short 23-Mar-2022

Health Minister Dr. Culwick Togamana gave the update during his COVID-19 situation update on the national broadcaster, SIBC.

Bina Harbour processing plant project reported to be progressing

Frank Short 23-Mar-2022

 This is despite few challenges authorities say they have encountered along the way.

First puzzled but now concerned

Frank Short 23-Mar-2022

In the first report, MP P Kenilorea raised concerns over separate police training.

Australia and Solomon Islands tackle COVID-19 together with a boost to testing capability and laboratory facilities

Frank Short 22-Mar-2022

Australia’s longstanding health partnership is supporting Solomon Islands to respond to COVID-19 while continuing to assist with long-term healt

Site for proposed new NRH under dispute

Frank Short 22-Mar-2022

The intention is to relocate the current NRH from its existing location to the new site due to impacts of climate change at the seafront.

Embracing the private security industry in the Solomon Islands

Frank Short 22-Mar-2022

The 2023 Pacific Games Security Services will be in four categories including Access Control, Asset Protection, Traffic Management and Public Safety.

The “independence” of the RSIPF.

Frank Short 21-Mar-2022

The police service and the police commissioner are subject to proper direction from the government but not in purely operational matters.

A miscellany of news stories getting attention today

Frank Short 21-Mar-2022

The Government has achieved its underlying policy objectives of the controversial Economic Stimulus Package (ESP).

Sea level rise impacts hard on Babanga and its neighbouring islands

Frank Short 21-Mar-2022

Unusual king tides, the weather patterns and the continuous sea level rise are life threatening issues to the (Micronesian race) who settled there.

$2.6 m ship for South Guadalcanal constituency

Frank Short 21-Mar-2022

 It will be managed under the business arm of the Constituency, the South Guadalcanal Corporate Service Company Ltd (SGCSCL).

Statements keep emerging leading to the proposed call for a Commission of Inquiry into last November’s riots and how and why the rioting occurred

Frank Short 20-Mar-2022

Mr. Alu in part of the article alluded to his involvement in a “peaceful protest” in Honiara last November. I quote what he had to say.

Heart failure patients being offered a new wonder pill in the UK.

Frank Short 20-Mar-2022

 I will quote the news of the heart pill which was published today, Sunday, in the UK’s Daily Mail newspaper.

Should the Solomon Islands be following NZ’s efforts to boost digital jobs?

Frank Short 19-Mar-2022

What we don't want them [tech firms] doing is ending up having to build big teams in other countries.

Covid linked to type 2 diabetes in study

Frank Short 19-Mar-2022

But Diabetes UK said there is “still work to do to unpick the link between the two conditions”.

Diabetes New Zealand urges funding for glucose monitors

Frank Short 19-Mar-2022

According to the ministry of health Prevalence of diabetes in M?ori and Pacific populations is around three times higher than among other New Zealande

Criticism levelled at the RSIPF after the failed operation at Bethany Village needing review

Frank Short 19-Mar-2022

The allegations of the botched police operation first came to notice yesterday, Friday, when MP Peter Kenikorea and local rights activist Ms. K Ride r

Good news

Frank Short 19-Mar-2022

The first of the two stories is this one, and I am really pleased to quote the details

Empowering a healthy future for isolated island communities

Frank Short 18-Mar-2022

 The Christian ethos of YWAM informs, undergirds and motivates us.

Allegations against the RSIPF’S (PRT) and wider policing operational deployment and approach needing answers

Frank Short 18-Mar-2022

The Solomon Star newspaper gave this account of the police operation, and I quote.

PPC COMMISSIONERS SWORN-IN AT GOVERNMENT HOUSE THIS MORNING.

Frank Short 17-Mar-2022

The Governor General Sir David Vunagi, GCMG, congratulated the Commissioners on their appointments and wish them well in the service to the Commission

SMART CITY INITIATIVE’ INTRODUCED TO SENIOR GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS

Frank Short 17-Mar-2022

Members of the forum also had the opportunity to ask pertinent questions of which Mr. Polovyan responded to.

SOLOMON ISLANDS GOVERNMENT AND UN HOST FIRST JOINT STEERING COMMITTEE

Frank Short 17-Mar-2022

PS Collin Beck was joined by PS Susan Sulu and PS Dr Melchior Mataki and other senior Government officials.

NEW FRENCH HONORARY CONSUL TO SOLOMON ISLANDS APPOINTED

Frank Short 16-Mar-2022

His credentials will definitely assist to build on the existing cordial relations that France has with the Solomon Islands.

Feeling puzzled.

Frank Short 16-Mar-2022

PrimeMinister Jacinda Ardern and Tourism Minister Stuart Nash have announced plans to fast-track the reopening of the border.

Japan to fund equipment for bomb response here

Frank Short 16-Mar-2022

Mr Tunuki from EOD and Acting Ambassador Yoshida signed to sealed an agreement of the project for UXO disposal

Breast cancer diagnoses rise, potential link to drop in preventive screenings

Frank Short 16-Mar-2022

Today, I read some news released by CBS in the United States which adds to my concerns over the lack of a breast cancer screening programme at the NRH

2022 APPROPRIATION BILL FOR TABLING IN PARLIAMENT

Frank Short 15-Mar-2022

Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare said debate on the Bill will be the main item of business when Parliament meets.

COMMONEALTH DAY CELBRATED IN THE SOLOMON ISLANDS

Frank Short 15-Mar-2022

The award was presented on behalf of the Queen by His Excellency the Governor General of Solomon Islands.

SIX STEPS TO MITIGATE COVID-19 IMPACT ON GOV’T FINANCES

Frank Short 15-Mar-2022

As such, there must be a reasonable and feasible trade-off between health and economic considerations to manage the current situation.

PG2023 GROUNDWORK DRIVES ECONOMIC ACTIVITY AND GROWTH

Frank Short 15-Mar-2022

“Let me assure the people of Solomon Islands, the Pacific Games is the main driver of our current economic revival, it is one of the major emplo

SI-PRC - POLICING COOPERATION

Frank Short 14-Mar-2022

The training program will be conducted by 5 police training experts from the China Police Liaison Team.

Two news reports from New Zealand that resonate with the situation in today’s Solomon Islands.

Frank Short 14-Mar-2022

There is currently no vaccine and if left untreated can lead to heart disease or death.

Her Majesty the Queen’s Commonwealth Message

Frank Short 14-Mar-2022

 In this year of my Platinum Jubilee, it has given me pleasure to renew the promise I made in 1947, that my life will always be devoted in servic

SINPF Board Signs Agreement with Hatanga to Construct Town Houses for Commonwealth of Australian and to Expand Hibiscus Apartments

Frank Short 14-Mar-2022

The construction agreement also includes an expansion to its Hibiscus Apartments.

MINISTER VEKE WELCOMES MORE ASSISTANCE FOR THE RSIPF

Frank Short 14-Mar-2022

Mr.Veke said any support to help the RSIPF’s capabilities and capacities are accepted with deep gratitude.

NEW NATIONAL PUBLIC HEALTH LABORATORY FACILIY OPENED

Frank Short 14-Mar-2022

He said one of the very crucial consideration is for the NPHL staffs to have their own office.

SI COVID-19 Update: 465 New Cases Recorded

Frank Short 14-Mar-2022

The cumulative total number of positive COVID-19 cases in the country now stands at 9,124.

What is beligarism?

Frank Short 14-Mar-2022

There are some serious allegations contained in the full media story which suggest they should be examined

Dubai Investors Express Interest To Establish Intravenous Solution IV Production Facility on Ulawa Island

Frank Short 14-Mar-2022

This could mean acquiring this life-saving product domestically whilst at the same time an export commodity within the region and internationally as w

'Asolutely extraordinary': Breakthrough on life-saving COVID treatment for the most seriously ill

Frank Short 13-Mar-2022

The Omicron variant has brought new challenges to the world

UK Medical team here to support Covid response

Frank Short 13-Mar-2022

“Our goal is to strengthen (and hopefully increase) the overall capacity of local health facilities and national medical staff.

Covid-19 cases in Bellona and the deployment of limited RSIPF personnel to assist in the local enforcement of safety and Covid regulations

Frank Short 13-Mar-2022

The high transmission of the virus on Bellona is said to be worrying locals and health officials.

What are the symptoms of the new Omicron sub-variant?

Frank Short 12-Mar-2022

It’s not clear where BA.2 emerged from, though the first cases were recorded in the Philippines.

Disability inclusion needing implementation

Frank Short 12-Mar-2022

I hope DFAT will introduce a plan or active strategy to bring about the early action this letter identifies and truly live up to its claimed reputatio

Omicron sub-variant BA.2: New Covid-19 strain takes hold in NSW

Frank Short 12-Mar-2022

 A university study suggests Omicron sub-variant BA.2 is already the dominant strain in New South Wales. 

New AI test that can detect heart disease in just 20 seconds to be rolled out in the UK’s National Health Service (NHS)

Frank Short 12-Mar-2022

These errors could be cut in half under the new system, he added.

How are disabled people in the Solomon Islands coping to get access to Covid-19 vaccines and self-isolation at home?

Frank Short 11-Mar-2022

In the meantime I share with readers the Radio New Zealand report that has prompted my piece.

Covid assistance for Ongtong Java

Frank Short 11-Mar-2022

Mr. Kealoe upon delivering these of assistance said this support will sustain families in ward 31 Liuania and ward 32 Pelau.

Inspiring change through sharing stories: UNDP presents the ‘Outstanding Women’ documentary

Frank Short 11-Mar-2022

 The documentary, available online, is curated by SECSIP II and Outstanding Women from behind and in front of the camera.

COVID SLOW-DOWN LEAVES NO ROOM FOR NEGLIGENCE OR FAILING TO FOLLOW THE COVID PREVENTION RULES

Frank Short 10-Mar-2022

He added that people are not constantly washing their hands with hand sanitizer when moving in and out of shops and markets.

Two local news stories today worth highlighting

Frank Short 10-Mar-2022

The second story refers to the Fotana Tribal Land Trust Board and a possible ‘East Fataleka Industrial Development Plan in the future.

SLOW DOWN IN COVID TRANSMISSIONS LIKELY ATTRIBUTED TO HEALTH SAFETY MEASURES

Frank Short 10-Mar-2022

The Minister also condemned reports of some people neglecting public safety rules which are imposed at entry points to manage travelers to and from pr

GOV’T CONFIDENT IN DELIVERING PG2023 DESPITE CHALLENGES POSED BY COVID

Frank Short 10-Mar-2022

The Games is expected to require thousands of volunteers and Solomon Islanders to work prior to and during the Games.

Calls for more women in politics in the Pacific

Frank Short 10-Mar-2022

The focus this year was on addressing climate justice and gender disparity with calls for more women to become members of parliament.

Families go hungry due to Covid-19 restrictions and allegedly no support.

Frank Short 10-Mar-2022

An example of this is a family living in Gizo who has been tested positive and are now advised to stay home.

Local news reports having a connection to Covid-19 – Thursday.

Frank Short 10-Mar-2022

The update was made by the Health Minister, Dr. Culwick Togamana, during his COVID-19 situational report on the national broadcaster, SIBC.

25 Graduate Doctors Joins NRH Medical Team as Interns

Frank Short 09-Mar-2022

They will be posted to NRH general medicines, surgery, obstetrics and gynaecology and paediatrics.

Local SI family of 8 gets Canadian Permanent Residence

Frank Short 09-Mar-2022

“Congratulations. Thank you for your continuous support Honorary Consul,” Minister Veke said.

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