Category: Solomon Islands

by Martin Haffner Associate Editor Australia has struck a new security agreement with Solomon Islands to bolster the size of the Pacific island nation’s police force. The ABC has been told that Australia has committed $190 million (US$118 million) to grow the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force and establish a new police training centre in…

by Richard Sanders, Staff Writer, Honiara January 6 2025 The Solomon Islands is poised for modest economic growth in the coming years. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) forecasts a growth rate of 2.5% in 2024, increasing slightly to 2.8% in 2025. This growth is expected to be driven by sectors such as fishing, mining, manufacturing,…

Richard Sanders, Staff Writer, Honiara Solomon Islands As the world reflects on the sacrifices made during the Second World War, the valor of the Solomon Scout Coastwatchers stands out as a testament to courage and resilience. These brave individuals played an indispensable role in the Pacific theater, using their intimate knowledge of the islands to…

Tusi Tala, Staff Writer The Solomon Islands Law Reform Commission is currently evaluating the Islanders’ Marriage and Divorce Act, specifically considering raising the legal marriage age from 15 to 18 years. A report from a coalition of charities in the Solomon Islands, known as Solomon Islands Endim Vaelens Agenstims Pikinini, revealed that one in five…

by Tusi Tala, Staff Writer Australia is supporting a border management system initiative for the Solomon Islands. The goal of this project is to streamline the visa application process and enhance the movement of people across the border. Australia is contributing over US$2 million in funding, along with technical support. Papua New Guinea, which operates…

by Tusi Tala, Staff Writer Solomon Islands and China signed an agreement Thursday to exempt citizens of both nations from travel visa requirements. The ‘Agreement on Mutual Visa Exemption for Citizens holding Ordinary Passports’ was signed by Chinese ambassador Cai Weiming and Solomon Islands’ Foreign Minister Peter Shanel Agovaka, and witnessed by Prime Minister Jeremiah…

by Tusi Tala, Staff Writer Solomon Islands authorities are preparing the country ahead of cyclone season, which runs from November to April. Local media report that the National Disaster Management Organisation is running a national tsunami exercise this week as part of preparations. Deputy director George Baragamu said that people will be prepped in tsunami…

by Tusi Tala, Staff Writer Solomon Islands Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele says his visit to Indonesia has opened a new door of “rare” international relationship between Honiara and Jakarta. The Solomon Star reported that Manele attended the inauguration of Indonesia’s new President Prabowo Subianto and met with him after. Manele said he believes this relationship will translate…