PINA

NSW Health has confirmed two returned travellers have tested positive for the new Omicron COVID-19 variant in Sydney, making them the first known cases of the strain in Australia. Both people, who are fully vaccinated and were asymptomatic, arrived in Sydney from southern Africa on Saturday, November 27. They are among 14 people who arrived on Qatar Airways QR908, Doha to...

The Fijian Government has strengthened its strict conditions for entry for incoming travelers from red list countries in response to the newly-reported Omicron variant of COVID-19. “We’re monitoring the Omicron variant closely as it has been shown to carry significant mutations that could spell higher rates of transmissibility and virulence. We commend South Africa on identifying and publishing the first...

The Solomon Islands is a valued member of the Pacific Islands Forum and as part of the Forum Family, it is with deep regret that we have watched the evolving situation in Honiara says Forum Secretary General Henry Puna. “I am especially concerned by the deaths reported so far, and note the importance of the rule of law and safety...

The Pacific Islands Forum is deploying the Forum Ministerial Committee to New Caledonia to observe New Caledonia’s third and final independence referendum under the 1998 Noumea Accord on 12 December 2021. The Committee is led by the Special Envoy of the Prime Minister of Fiji and Chair of the Pacific Islands Forum, Ratu Inoke Kubuabola, joined by Ali’ioaiga Feturi Elisaia,...

Solomon Islands Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare says the government is fully intact. In his third national address Sunday since the riots, Sogavare said he is sincerely grateful to his colleague MPs for their ongoing support and solidarity to stand for the principles of democracy despite the threats and intimidations. “The intention is very clear and that is to put pressure on...

Solomon Islands leader of Opposition, Matthew Wale has announced that he is filing a notice of a vote of no confidence in the Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare. Wale said, he still does not have the numbers for such a motion to pass, after only three resignations from Sogavare’s government so far. The confirmed resignations are Member for West New Georgia/Vona...

NSW Police officers are being deployed to the Solomon Islands to support Australian peacekeepers after a request from the Australian Federal Government. The contingent of 15 officers is expected to leave for the violence-torn capital Honiara this week. “The operation ... will provide assistance to the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force to support order and stability and provide humanitarian assistance to...

The WTO's General Council agreed late Friday (26 November) to postpone the imminent Ministerial Conference after an outbreak of a particularly transmissible strain of the COVID-19 virus led several governments to impose travel restrictions that would have prevented many ministers from reaching Geneva. The 12th Ministerial Conference (MC12) was due to start on 30 November and run until 03 December,...

The Central Bank of Solomon Islands (CBSI) has conducted an initial impact assessment over the damage to the economy caused by the recent unrest and riots in Honiara since Wednesday. The findings have revealed that the loss to the local economy is estimated to be around $227 million (US$28 million) at a minimum. Domestic economic activity, including employment, was significantly impacted...

By Mihai Sora Honiara has awoken to a calmer scene but tension lingers as quelling the violent protests has not resolved their underlying causes Unresolved tensions and geopolitical pressures are a volatile mix in Solomon Islands. What began as a peaceful protest calling for the resignation of prime minister Manasseh Sogavare on Wednesday quickly descended into unrest as the crowd of about...