Solomon Islands

The spokesperson said people travelling to Solomon Islands will no longer need to provide proof of their Covid-19 vaccination or test unless requested.

This follows the statement by the World Health Organisation that Covid-19 is no longer a global public health emergency of international concern reports RNZ Pacific.

Travellers going to Solomon Islands are still encouraged to be fully vaccinated against Covid-19.

Photo file  Caption: Honiara 

A draft Border Arrangement Agreement was used as the basis for the discussions with an agreement for a commitment to conduct further consultations in both respective capitals before concluding negotiations by July 2023.

Speaking during the close of the meeting on Thursday, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade, Collin Beck said the first Senior Officials meeting was a success.

Permanent Secretary Beck paid tribute to the two Prime Ministers of Solomon Islands and Vanuatu for signing the Motalava treaty back in 2016.

President Vidya Lakhan and Chief executive Officer Andrew Minogue visited Honiara last week to assess preparations for the 17th Pacific Games.

RNZ Pacific reports the delegation visited several of the Games venues, including the main Sports City precinct and the accommodation construction site at the Solomon Islands National University.

They were briefed on the status of works on the main road into the city, the near completion of the new international airport terminal, and the recent "Safe and Green Games" launch.

After a goalless first half, the Solomons took the lead through Gagame Feni, the Telekom S-League's top scorer, in the 68th minute.

The Solomons continued to push forward, and were rewarded with a second goal by Central Coast's William Komasi in the 81st minute.

Vanuatu had started the tournament with an upset 2-1 win against Fiji.

In the day's other match at Churchill Park, the Fiji senior team drew 2-2 with the Fiji Under-20s side.

The senior side finished with ten men when Tevita Warainivalu was dismissed in the second half.

Forty of them were turned back at the Port Vila International Airport due to failure of flight arrangements with Solomon Airlines.

Solomon Islands National University Media Officer, Estee Longamei explains that 40 nursing students were unable to board the Solomon Airline because they were booked with Air New Guinea.

SINU was not aware of the travelling arrangement, thinking everything was okay in that end.

He said they were informed the students were not booked with Solomon Airlines when they were about to board the flight.

The Solomon Islands 2023 Steering Committee has met for the second time to discuss preparations for the Games since Australia signed a formal agreement to provide funding last December.

Inside the Games reports the main portion of Australia's $US11 million commitment is to assist with the refurbishment of school dormitories which will serve as athletes' accommodation.

Solomon Islands 2023 has also received financial support from China, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, Japan and South Korea to aid preparations for the Games, which are set to begin in November.

Washington had announced its intentions to re-establish its presence in the Pacific nation early last year, following concerns over China's security pact with the Solomons and greater interest in the Pacific.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said the opening of the embassy "symbolises a renewal relationship" between the two countries.

Blinken said it also highlights the strength of their commitment to their bilateral relations, the people of Solomon Islands, and their partnerships in the Indo-Pacific region.

The 19-year-old striker has signed a deal with Bosnia and Herzegovinian club FK Velež Mostar.

Lea’i was at the club on a trial for the last month, and impressed in a match against Croatian side NK Neretvanac Opuzen that convinced Velež to offer him a deal for the next two seasons.

The club’s website describes Lea’i as “the first player in history from the Solomon Islands to sign a professional contract with a European club, and it is clear that a lot is expected of him in that country in the future, and surely the expectations are high in his new club as well.”

Solomon Islands police say three people of the 14 on board went missing - one female adult and two children aged three and seven. The others managed to swim ashore.

RNZ Pacific reports the body of the missing woman was found at Taura Point near Namuga sub-station.

Provincial Police Commander Superintendent Peter Siatai said the boat left Kirakira town to head to Na'ana Elite logging company camp site in East Makira on January 16.

However, Inside the Games reports the Games boss saying there will be no beer sales at the venues.

Solomon Islands 2023 chief executive Peter Stewart said the responsible use of alcohol is an important message that the Games can assist with sending throughout the sporting community.

But SolBrew beer will be used exclusively at Pacific Games VIP and corporate functions, both in the lead-up to and during the Games.