The full extent of the impact of Cyclone Harold is still emerging. This was the strongest storm to hit the Pacific Islands (specifically Vanuatu, Fiji, the Solomon Islands and Tonga) since Cyclone Gita in 2018. While initial reports from some affected …
Tag: Solomon Islands
Cash-for-Passports in the South Pacific
The Solomon Islands is considering a controversial investment for a passport scheme; meanwhile Vanuatu is considering scrapping its own version.
Save The Children Staff Mobilise To Help Children Affected By Tropical Cyclone Harold
Save the Children staff in Vanuatu and Solomon Islands are ready to help hundreds of children affected by Tropical Cyclone (TC) Harold, the most powerful storm in the Pacific in at least two years, with winds gusting as high as 235km/h. Save the …
Oxfam Coordinates Response To TC Harold
Oxfam teams in the Pacific are already working with partner agencies and governments in Vanuatu and Solomon Islands in response to Tropical Cyclone Harold. The category 5 cyclone is now hitting Santo and Malo and moving into the Penama and Malampa Provinces, …
US Dug Up 130 Tons of Irradiated Soil From Nevada and Dumped It on the Marshall Islands
“I’m like, how can it [the dome] be ours?” Hilda Heine, the president of the Republic of the Marshall Islands, said in an interview in her presidential office in September. “We don’t want it. We didn’t build it. The garbage inside is not ours. It’s theirs.” Ultimately they decided to go forward with the resettlement … Continue reading “US Dug Up 130 Tons of Irradiated Soil From Nevada and Dumped It on the Marshall Islands”
Solomon Islands: A Pacific Linchpin Is Pulled
A closer look at the significance of a key diplomatic switch.
Bringing Renewable Power to Solomon Islands
Bringing Renewable Power to Solomon Islands, with a Financing Package Worth Over US$200 Million Construction now set to begin on Tina River Hydropower Project in early 2020 HONIARA, December 16, 2019 — The Government of Solomon Islands and the …
Forum Fisheries Agency welcomes the Prince of Wales to FFA
HONIARA, 25 November 2019 — Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency today hosted His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales on a visit to FFA headquarters in Honiara.
Sea-level rise has claimed five whole islands in the Pacific
The Solomon Islands are low-lying and vulnerable to changes in sea level. Javier Leon , Author provided
SI trade balance reverts to $221.1 million deficit in June
The Solomon Islands (SI) International Merchandise Trade (IMT) balance shifted back to a deficit of $221.1 million after a surplus of $75.7m in the previous March quarter, 2019.
NZDF Sends Explosive Ordnance Disposal Experts to Solomons
The New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) has sent 21 explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) experts to help the Australian Defence Force and Royal Solomon Islands Police Force remove unexploded Second World War explosives in the Solomon Islands.
Perceiving China’s Influence in the Pacific: The Case of Solomon Islands
A closer look at the logic put forth by the Solomon Islands’ task force which examined the choice between Taiwan and China.
Tina River Hydropower Project moves closer to construction
Crucial final agreements signed as Tina River Hydropower Project moves closer to construction in Solomon Islands SYDNEY, September 27, 2019 – A series of crucial final agreements have been signed today to bring the start of construction closer …
Taiwan Loses 2 Diplomatic Allies, Wins US Support Ahead of Crucial Presidential Election
The diplomatic defections of Kiribati and the Solomon Islands were followed by a strong statement of U.S. support for Taiwan.
President Tsai celebrates Central American Independence Day
President Tsai Ing-wen said Sept. 17 that the government is committed to enhancing public and private sector exchanges with Taiwan’s Central American allies Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. Taiwan enjoys strong diplomatic ties with the three countries, Tsai said. The mutually beneficial and supportive relationship is achieving excellent outcomes in many joint endeavors, she added. … Continue reading “President Tsai celebrates Central American Independence Day”
Senator Rubio Says Will Seek to Cut Solomon Islands From Dollar for Recognizing China as US Did in 1979
Is there a better example of the pigheadedness of the Empire? The US is allowed to accomodate China because to decline would be too costly and not in its best interest, but a tiny and much poorer nation like the Solomon Islands must continue with the crusade the Empire wish it could wage: And now … Continue reading “Senator Rubio Says Will Seek to Cut Solomon Islands From Dollar for Recognizing China as US Did in 1979”
Taiwan Loses Another Diplomatic Ally: Onward Without the Solomon Islands?
Is China’s campaign of isolation against Taiwan working?
Tsai condemns Solomon Islands’ decision to establish ties with China
President Tsai Ing-wen said Sept. 16 that the government sincerely regrets and strongly condemns the Solomon Islands’ decision to establish diplomatic relations with China. China is using financial and political pressure to suppress Taiwan’s space, Tsai said. This poses a threat to the country and represents a brazen challenge to international order, she added. … Continue reading “Tsai condemns Solomon Islands’ decision to establish ties with China”
Taiwan Hosts Top Solomon Islands Official Amid Reports of a Diplomatic Switch to Beijing
Solomon islands foreign minister visits Taipei days after a report said a diplomatic switch to Beijing was imminent.
Report: Solomon Islands ‘Clearly Leaning’ Toward Changing Recognition From Taipei to Beijing
The Pacific Island state’s decision to switch would leave Taiwan with just 16 remaining diplomatic allies.
Surveillance operation covers area larger than Russia
HONIARA, 3 September 2019 – The third Pacific Island Forum Fisheries Agency-led monitoring, control and surveillance operation for the year – Operation Island Chief 2019 (OPIC19) covered an area greater than the size of Russia, the biggest country …
MOFA touts success of medical fund in Taiwan’s Pacific allies
A 12-month, US$2 million government-administered medical fund has enhanced the health and well-being of the people in Taiwan’s Pacific allies, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Launched during the 2018 Pacific Islands Forum, the fund involved six major hospitals in Taiwan and facilitated first-class treatment for 955 patients in Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Nauru, … Continue reading “MOFA touts success of medical fund in Taiwan’s Pacific allies”
Asian-Pacific Parliamentarians’ Union annual meeting kicks off in Taiwan
The 49th General Assembly and 83rd Council Meeting of the Asian-Pacific Parliamentarians’ Union kicked off Aug. 5 in Taipei City, reaffirming the government’s commitment to promoting regional peace and prosperity. Co-organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the three-day event is themed Ocean Democracy and a Sustainable Indo-Pacific Region. It involves around 100 lawmakers … Continue reading “Asian-Pacific Parliamentarians’ Union annual meeting kicks off in Taiwan”
A New Day for Solomon Islands’ Women?
The Solomon Islands now has 2 women MPs – its most ever. It’s both progress and a sign of how far is left to go.
Forum Fisheries Ministers sign off on key climate report
HONIARA, 26 June 2019 – Fisheries Ministers attending the 16th Forum Fisheries Committee Ministerial Meeting in Pohnpei, Federated States of Micronesia, last week signed off on a key report – the Strategic Action Programme for the Sustainable …
NZ Deputy Prime Minister impressed with FFA
HONIARA, 6 June, 2019 – The Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA) welcomed a high level delegation led by the New Zealand Deputy Prime Minister, Rt. Honourable Winston Peters, on Wednesday 5 June as part of their visit to Solomon Islands. Minister …
Australia’s Suspicion of China’s South Pacific Investments Is a Zero-sum Game
The mainstream media revived its narrative of fear-mongering about China’s South Pacific investments during the Vanuatu Prime Minister’s visit to Beijing and ahead of the recently re-elected Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison‘s trip to the Solomon Islands next week. … The post Australia’s Suspicion of China’s South Pacific Investments Is a Zero-sum Game appeared first on Global … Continue reading “Australia’s Suspicion of China’s South Pacific Investments Is a Zero-sum Game”
SI hosting of 2019 SPUMS Annual Conference hailed a major success
May 29, 2019 Picture: Honiara, Solomon Islands –( ASIA TODAY )– Attracting delegates from as far afield as Australia, South Africa, the Middle East and the USA, the South Pacific Underwater Medicine Society’s (SPUMS) 48th Annual Scientific Meeting taking place in Honiara last week has been hailed a major success. Tourism Solomons CEO, Josefa ‘Jo’ … Continue reading “SI hosting of 2019 SPUMS Annual Conference hailed a major success”
China and Taiwan on the Mind as Australia’s Morrison Heads to the Solomon Islands
Finding a position respectful of Honiara that also maintains Canberra’s strategic desires will require a deft touch.
Diplomatic allies urge WHA observer status for Taiwan
A proposal urging Taiwan’s participation in the World Health Assembly as an observer was submitted by 14 of the country’s diplomatic allies to Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, director-general of the World Health Organization, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs May 20. The government and people of Taiwan sincerely appreciate the backing of Belize, … Continue reading “Diplomatic allies urge WHA observer status for Taiwan”
Tourism Solomons CEO invited to join PATA Board
May 20, 2019 First-ever Fijian appointment to PATA board “feather in the cap” for entire Pacific region Honiara, Solomon Islands – Strong recognition for the Solomon Islands on the international tourism stage and huge kudos for Tourism Solomons with CEO, Josefa ‘Jo’ Tuamoto invited to join the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) executive board. The … Continue reading “Tourism Solomons CEO invited to join PATA Board”
Geneva reception promotes need for Taiwan to participate in activities, mechanisms, meetings of WHO
A reception was hosted May 19 by Taiwan’s representative office in Geneva to promote the need for the country to participate in the activities, mechanisms and meetings of the World Health Organization. Attended by Health Minister Chen Shih-chung and the visiting Taiwan delegation, the event also involved counterparts and officials from allies Belize, Guatemala, … Continue reading “Geneva reception promotes need for Taiwan to participate in activities, mechanisms, meetings of WHO”
Séisme de magnitude 7,5 en Papouasie-Nouvelle-Guinée, alerte au tsunami
Un séisme de magnitude 7,5 a été enregistré en Papouasie-Nouvelle-Guinée, ce mardi 14 mai, à 12 h 58, temps universel (14 h 58 heure française) selon les données publiées par l’Institut d’études géologiques des États-Unis (USGS). Ce séisme a eu lieu à 44 km au nord-est de Kokopo en Papouasie-Nouvelle-Guinée, selon l’agence. Une alerte au … Continue reading “Séisme de magnitude 7,5 en Papouasie-Nouvelle-Guinée, alerte au tsunami”
ADB, Ireland Establish Fund to Boost Climate, Disaster Resilience in Pacific
Apr 30, 2019 Picture: NADI, FIJI (1 May 2019) — The Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Government of Ireland today signed agreements establishing the Ireland Trust Fund for Building Climate Change and Disaster Resilience in Small Island Developing States (SIDS). The Contribution Arrangements were signed by ADB Vice-President Mr. Ahmed M. Saeed and Ireland’s … Continue reading “ADB, Ireland Establish Fund to Boost Climate, Disaster Resilience in Pacific”
Riots in the Solomon Islands Greet Returned Prime Minister
After a calm election, frustrations flared as Manasseh Sogavare returned, for the fourth time, to the prime ministership.
Pacific Odyssey: Guadalcanal and Bloody Ridge, Solomon Islands
This article is Part XI of a series that describes a journey from the Philippines to Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands. For Part I, please click here. Bloody Ridge, on Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands, looking south toward the Lunga River. In the desperate fighting for the ridges in September, 1942, the Japanese failed to … Continue reading “Pacific Odyssey: Guadalcanal and Bloody Ridge, Solomon Islands”
MOFA short shows how Taiwan Can Help achieve WHO’s Health For All
A short film highlighting how Taiwan Can Help achieve the World Health Organization’s major objective of Health For All was released April 9 by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The eight-minute video documents the good work of Taiwan-trained Dr. Paul Bosawai Popora in Pacific ally the Solomon Islands. Shot entirely on location, the eye-catching … Continue reading “MOFA short shows how Taiwan Can Help achieve WHO’s Health For All”
A Smooth Solomon Islands Election
Although counting continues, it seems that the first post-RAMSI election has been a success.
Unnecessary Expansions: the Australian War Memorial
War is not merely a matter of sowing death, much of it needless; it entails preserving a rationale to perpetuate it. The mistake often made about reading, consulting and listening to the harrowing tales of those who have perished in battle or those who survived them is to presume that these should not happen again. Politicians, … Continue reading “Unnecessary Expansions: the Australian War Memorial”