Supply of JJ hot-stuff  eases as border security tightens

THE supply of homemade alcohol, locally known as JJ Hot-stuff from Bougainville into the Shortland Islands, Western Province has eased down, after law enforcement authorities stepped up border surveillance. Communities in the Shortlands told the Solomon Star that the once frequent flow of the potent drink—along with other spirits and liquor—has slowed significantly in recent months and years. They attributed this to an increased…

TSI on ‘right to information’ law 

Informed citizens make informed decisions. A strong Right to Information (RTI) system is crucial for uncovering and preventing abuses of power and for strengthening the fight against corruption. Access to information is a fundamental human right enshrined in Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which grants individuals the right to seek, receive,…

 Infant mortality rate needs gov’t support

Dear Editor – The alarming rate of infant and maternal deaths in the Solomon Islands demands urgent government action.  One infant dies daily, and immunization coverage is shockingly low at 7.1%.  These preventable tragedies highlight the need for stronger maternal and child health services.  The government must prioritize rural healthcare access, train more midwives, and ensure vaccines…

DFAT-MAL Partnership dialogue held

Animal health systems experts from across the country and region have gathered in Honiara for a two-week program to explore practical solutions to animal health systems.  The program includes a national stakeholder consultation, a three day regional workshop and three day national training workshop focusing on the use of field-based diagnostics tools that are portable, affordable, effective and appropriate for resource-constrained contexts and…

SI BILATERAL TIES WITH INDONESIA STRONGER

The Acting Prime Minister, Honourable Bradley Tovosia, last week received a courtesy call from the non- resident Ambassador of Indonesia to Solomon Islands, His Excellency Andriana Supandy, at the Office of the Prime Minister and Cabinet. Ambassador Supandy conveyed the congratulations of the President of Indonesia to the Government and people of Solomon Islands for…

Agovaka represents SI at 25th Commonwealth Foreign Affairs Ministers meeting 

Minister for Foreign Affairs and External Trade, Hon. Peter Shanel Agovaka, last week joined Commonwealth counterparts at the 25th   Commonwealth Foreign Affairs Ministers Meeting (CFAMM) at the United Nations Headquarters in New York.  The meeting was chaired by Samoa’s Deputy Prime Minister, Hon. Toelupe Maoiautele Poumulinuku Onesemo, and brought together Foreign Ministers from across the 56-member family of…

West Deputy Premier: strategy, interventions key to health success

WESTERN Province Deputy Premier, Hon. Brian Lotikena, has underscored the importance of strategic planning and timely interventions in strengthening the country’s health outcomes. Hon. Lotikena made the remarks during the closing program of the National Healthy Settings Conference in Gizo on Friday. He said the conference has provided a platform for provincial leaders, health officials,…