Malaita qualifies again for PCDF

MALAITA Province is qualified again for the Provincial Capacity Development Fund (PCDF) program after a two-year hiatus.  A recent report indicated that the province had previously failed to meet three minimum conditions.  These included the Public Accounts Committee’s (PAC) failure to scrutinize the 2020-2021 Audit Report within 21 days of receiving the audit opinion, issues related to procurement and outstanding payments for…

PM acknowledges outgoing FFA chief 

The Prime Minister (PM) Jeremiah Manele has acknowledged the outgoing Director-General of the Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA), Dr. Manumatavai Tupou-Roosen, for her outstanding contributions to the FFA over the last two decades. Prime Minister Manele acknowledged Dr. Manu, as she is affectionately known, during a farewell dinner hosted by the Office of the Prime Minister…

Partnership offers big potential for SI dive tourism

In a move Tourism Solomons says will have major ramifications for the Solomon Islands dive industry, Honiara-based Bilikiki Cruises has joined resources with fellow liveaboard dive boat expert Emperor Divers.  Under the new arrangement, Bilikiki Cruises’ live-aboard cruise programs will now comprise part of the Singapore-based Emperor Divers’ existing international dive portfolio which includes Egypt,…

SI, NZ annual high-level consultation 

Solomon Islands and New Zealand convened their annual High-Level Consultation (HLC) on Thursday, November 7, 2024, in Honiara. Senior officials from both nations attended, with Solomon Islands delegation led by Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade, Collin Beck.  This consultation provided an important platform for the two countries to discuss…

Support grants open

Australia Awards Alumni Support Grants are open now.  Australia Awards Solomon Islands is excited to announce an exciting grant opportunity for Australia Awards Alumni. Grants of up to AUD5,000 are available to individual Alumni and AUD 10,000 to groups.  This new funding aims to support alumni to make a positive impact in their communities.  The…

Machineries arrive for Kilu’ufi Hospital Improvement project

ALL machineries and material to kick-start the long-awaited Kilu’ufi Hospital Improvement Project in Malaita Province have arrived. The Kitano Construction Company of Japan assisted in the delivery of the equipment. The groundbreaking ceremony held last month was attended by the Minister of Health and Medical Services, Dr Paul Popora Bosawai and his Permanent Secretary Pauline McNeil, Deputy Premier of Malaita Province, Randol Sifoni and representatives of the Ministry of Foreign…

Local fruit snacks onboard flights 

THE Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAL) plans to introduce locally made fruit snacks onboard Solomon Airlines flights.  Thats according to MAL Permanent Secretary Dr Samson Viulu.  In an interview, he said MAL had been discussing this idea with the Chairman of the Solomon Airlines Board Frank Wickham and he has agreed on the idea. …