Solomons ‘vilified’ since recognising China: Sogavare
The prime minister of the Solomon Islands complained on Friday that his country had been subjected to “a barrage of unwarranted and misplaced criticisms, misinformation and intimidation” since formalising
Communications at the heart of the Red Cross response
It was a time to reflect, prepare, support, and respond for the Pacific National Red Cross Societies as they met face-to-face for the first time since COVID for five days in Nadi this month. The Head of the
Solomon Islands tuna production rises despite COVID
Tuna production in the Solomon Islands increased this year despite a significantly smaller fish catch. The latest Central Bank of Solomon Islands (CBSI) quarterly report shows that the total catch dropped by 22% due to
LOCAL INFRASTRUCTURE INDUSTRY OPPORTUNITIES
The Solomon Islands Infrastructure Program (SIIP) engaged with local and international construction businesses and suppliers in Honiara yesterday with an industry briefing about the Australian-funded economic
Solomon Islands election delayed to 2024
The Solomon Islands parliament has voted to delay the country’s national elections to 2024, backing a push from Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare to postpone the poll until after the Pacific Games next year. The
Australia offers to fund Solomon Islands elections
But Solomon Islands PM says timing is inappropriate Australia has made an offer to fund Solomon Islands National General Elections. Foreign Minister Penny Wong told the ABC that the offer reflects commitment to
Jaro Local takes Pacific and the world by storm
Award-winning Solomon Islands singer/songwriter, Jaro Local, is a soaring star around the Pacific, making waves internationally with his unique blend of contemporary island, R&B, pop and reggae music. Jaro is
Opinion: Solomon Islands, a blueprint to stop a cycle of strife
Allowing more power for the provinces under a decentralised system of governance will be a step towards stability. In November last year, Solomon Islands’ capital Honiara erupted into three days of riots, resulting in
Sogavare govt “furious” over Australian media report
The Solomon Islands government has hauled in Australia’s High Commissioner to complain after the ABC’s Four Corners programme aired an episode exploring how China has been rapidly building commercial and security
Australia pledges $17m for Pacific Games amid top US diplomats tour
Australia will provide the Solomon Islands with more than A$17 million (USD$11.9 million) for the Pacific Games as a slate of ministers and top U.S. diplomats tour the region. Australian Pacific Minister Pat Conroy has
Opinion: What the U.S should do in Solomon Islands
American diplomats and dignitaries have assembled in Honiara for the 80th anniversary of the Guadalcanal Landings during World War II (WWII). Recent developments, including the China–Solomon Islands security agreement
U.S. to host Pacific island summit: Sherman
United States President Joe Biden will host Pacific island leaders at the White House in September, a senior American diplomat said on Saturday, deepening a regional charm offensive to counter growing Chinese influence.
No Fiji-China security pact, Rabuka says
People’s Alliance leader hoping to return as Fiji’s prime minister, Sitiveni Rabuka, has ruled out a security pact with China if he wins government, saying it was time his country returned to its “comfortable
Solomon Airlines announces code-share service with Air Niugini
Solomon Airlines has announced its code-share flight services with Air Niugini between Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea will recommence next month. In a statement, Solomon Airlines announced the service which will
U.S. delegation to visit Solomon Islands
U.S. Deputy Secretary of State, Wendy Sherman, and U.S. ambassador to Australia, Caroline Kennedy, plan to visit the Solomon Islands next month, where their fathers fought in World War Two, and the United States is
Historic deals on maritime boundaries at the Forum
Many Pacific island states are really large ocean states, with vast Exclusive Economic Zones. As local enterprises and overseas corporations seek to exploit the region’s vast ocean resources – from fisheries to deep
Access to finance ocean projects ‘very challenging’: Solomons MP Manele
While there are huge commitments being made and offered to assist countries to conserve, protect and manage their ocean resources, accessing finance for ocean projects is still a major obstacle for many Small Island
China seeks security deals with Kiribati and Vanuatu
China is intensifying its drive for influence in the Pacific by negotiating security deals with two additional island nations following a pact with the Solomon Islands, according to officials in the U.S and allied
Solomon Islands congratulates Albanese on election win
The Solomon Islands has congratulated Australia’s new Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on his election win as the 31st Prime Minister of Australia. Yet, “much however, remains to be done,” says Solomon Islands
Australia, NZ and the PICs: a new era for PACER?
By Dr Wadan Narsey Australia has been jolted out of its self-declared “vuvale” (family) complacency in its relations to the Pacific. Following the recent political fall-out in Australia because of the
Australia and next steps in the Pacific
Dr Anthony Bergin and Jeffrey Wall The Solomon Islands security agreement with China is a significant setback for Australia and the region. In barely three years Solomon Islands has gone from supporting Taiwan
China Foreign Minister likely to visit Solomons
Chinese Foreign Minister and State Councillor Wang Yi is likely to visit the Solomon Islands in coming weeks. A senior Solomon Islands government source told the ABC that preparations had begun for Wang to visit the
Solomons tuna plant to create 5500 jobs
More than 5,500 jobs are set to be created with the construction of a major tuna processing plant in Solomon Islands says the International Finance Corporation (IFC). The Bina Harbour Tuna Processing Plant, to be built
Felled by its own Failures – How Australia’s inaction to reform logging in the Solomon Islands has let China in
We have watched these past few weeks as the evolving situation surrounding the Solomon Islands/China security pact has unfolded. It appears that every journalist and political commentator is suddenly an expert in the
