Telebere News

The redevelopment of Malu’u Market in North Malaita is officially underway, marking a significant investment in the region's economy. Local contractor Alrico Construction mobilized on-site this week after successfully completing UXO clearance. The project, funded by the Australian Government, will provide local farmers, fishers, and small businesses with a modern and spacious marketplace to sell their goods. Australia has worked closely with the Malaita Provincial Government, the North Malaita community, and landowners to prepare the site for construction. The project will begin with constructing a temporary market for vendors and demolishing the existing market to make way for a larger, upgraded facility. "We’re confident that Alrico Construction will not only complete the temporary market and demolition as quickly as possible but also provide jobs for local workers as part of the process,” said Acting Australian High Commissioner Andrew Schloeffel, emphasizing Australi...

The formal handover of the National Referral Hospital (NRH) Comprehensive Medical Centre in Honiara on January 24, 2025, served as a powerful demonstration of the burgeoning bilateral relationship between China and the Solomon Islands. The event, coinciding with the Chinese New Year Reception and hosted by the Chinese Embassy, drew over 300 guests, including key figures from both nations. H.E. Cai Weiming, Chinese Ambassador to the Solomon Islands, hands over the key to Prime Minister Hon. Jeremiah Manele and Minister for Health and Medical Services Hon. Paul Bosawai, symbolizing the official handover of the National Referral Hospital (NRH) Comprehensive Medical Centre. (Photo: Chinese Embassy in the Solomon Islands). The presence of high-ranking officials, including Chinese Ambassador to the Solomon Islands, H.E. Cai Weiming; Prime Minister Hon. Jeremiah Manele; Speaker of the National Parliament Hon. John Patteson Oti; Deputy Prime Minister Hon. Bradley Tovosia; and Minister for He...

Over 8,300 Solomon Islanders have to date worked in Australia under the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme, and this year looks set to be another successful year. Sixty-two PALM workers attended the first pre-departure briefing for 2025 last week. The group included 37 new participants and 25 returned workers who were looking forward to the experience and economic benefits of working in Australia. Acting Australian High Commissioner to Solomon Islands, Mr Andrew Schloeffel, congratulated the workers on being selected by Australian employers to join the PALM scheme. “Jobs are at the heart of the Solomon Islands-Australia partnership, and we know that job creation is vital for Solomon Islands’ economic growth,” acting High Commissioner Schloeffel said. “The PALM scheme has provided thousands of opportunities for Solomon Islanders to work across various sectors within Australia.” “Solomon Islanders are not only bringing back new skills and ideas when they return h...

Tourism Solomons has commended Solomon Airlines for its decision to introduce a weekly trans-Tasman flight between Auckland and Brisbane, a move hailed by Acting CEO Dagnal Dereveke as a game-changer for the country’s tourism industry. The new service, set to commence on February 21, 2025, will operate as a return flight every Friday, offering seamless same-day connections to the key Munda-Western Province tourism corridor and Honiara. According to Mr. Dereveke, this development eliminates the long-standing inconvenience travelers face to destinations such as Munda, Gizo, Seghe, and Suavanao, who were often forced to stay overnight in Brisbane due to mismatched flight schedules. This breathtaking aerial view of the stunning islands in Munda, Western Province, was captured during a Solomon Airlines flight. It showcases the beauty and tourism potential of the Solomon Islands. “ This was a hugely positive move for Munda, Gizo, Seghe, and Suavanoa-bound passengers traveling via Bri...

The Ministry of Education and Human Resource Development (MEHRD) has introduced new limits on school fees, as outlined in the Education Act 2023. These limits are already in effect as of January 1, 2024. Under Section 122(b) of the Act, regulations are in place to set clear rules on the maximum school fees that education providers can charge parents or students each year. The maximum school fees are as follows: Education Level Day Students (Urban) Day Students (Non-Urban) Boarding Students (Urban) Boarding Students (Non-Urban) Primary Education $1,200             $250 - - Junior Secondary $2,000 $800 $4,500 $2,800 Senior Secondary $4,000 $3,000 $9,000 $7,200 No additional fees can be charged for: Enrolling or trans...

Australia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence, Hon Richard Marles MP, visited the Solomon Islands on January 18, 2025, reinforcing Australia’s commitment to its Pacific neighbor. During his time in Honiara, Deputy Prime Minister Marles held discussions with Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele and Environment Minister Hon Trevor Mahaga. The visit marked his twelfth to the Solomon Islands and third in his capacity as Deputy Prime Minister. Marles and Prime Minister Manele explored Australia’s ongoing support for the Solomon Islands’ economic growth, development, and security. They highlighted the recent partnership to expand the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF), announced in December 2024. This collaboration includes funding, training, and infrastructure to establish a new Police Training Centre in Honiara. Marles updated Manele on progress at the Western Border Outpost, a key project designed to enhance border security. The first stage, delivered in December 20...

Australia has appointed local contractor Hatanga Ltd to build the new SBD28.9m Seghe Market, emphasising its commitment to delivering large infrastructure projects with local companies. Speaking at the contract signing today, His Excellency Rod Hilton, said the contract with Hatanga recognised the growing excellence in Solomon Islands to deliver high quality infrastructure to Australia’s standard for safety and construction quality. “The new Seghe Market is not just a building, Mr Hilton said. “It’s a demonstration of Australia’s strong commitment to supporting Solomon Islanders to earn an income and develop local, sustainable industries.” “The construction of the new market will create jobs for Seghe, boost the expertise of Hatanga, and ultimately deliver a modern marketplace that brings people together to trade and support family.” The new Seghe Market is the fifth to be redeveloped under Australia’s Provincial Markets Redevelopment Program (markets in Buala, Honiara Central,...

Australia’s new eight-year SBD230 million (AUD 44 million) Stronger Education Together (SET) program was launched today, Wednesday, 15 January 2025, by signing a partnership agreement between the Governments of the Solomon Islands and Australia. The Minister of Education and Human Resources Development (MEHRD), Honourable Tozen Leokana and the Australian High Commissioner, His Excellency Rod Hilton, signed the agreement, formalising the commitment of both countries to implement this ambitious new program under the broader Solomon Islands-Australia Education Partnership. The eight-year program aims to improve equitable school access and enhance the quality of education across Solomon Islands. Cutting of cake - L - R: Andrew Schloeffel, Deputy High Commissioner, Australian High Commissioner, His Excellency Rod Hilton, Australian High Commissioner, Honourable Minister Leokana, Ministry of Education and Human Resource Development, Dr Franco Rodie, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Educa...

A group of Seventh-Day Adventist youths from Varamata church embarked on a mission trip to Baru church in Noro's western province, leaving a lasting impact on the community. Despite missing the TPUM Youth Congress in Samoa 2024 , the youth executive decided to channel their energy into a local outreach program. Their mission is to share a health message and build relationships with the Baru Adventist Church's youth. However, their journey took an unexpected turn when they learned about the urgent need to help a widower rebuild his home. Inspired by the Adventist Men's project, the Varamata youths joined forces, providing manpower and financial assistance for building materials. They spent days working alongside the locals, witnessing the transformation of the widower's incomplete home into a safe and secure shelter. " His house didn't have proper walls when we arrived . He only used roofing iron for walling. His kitchen is also covered in iron...

The Solomon Islands National Youth Congress and Australia partnered to host the 7th Series of the Virtual Youth Skills Hub Dialogue. The Dialogue involved 135 young Solomon Islanders based in Honiara, Guadalcanal and Gizo who discussed training opportunities and skills needed to support different career pathways. Honiara Youth discuss the pressing issue of climate change during the Virtual Youth Skills Hub Dialogue The Virtual Youth Skills Hub Dialogue started during the COVID-19 pandemic to connect people who were facing travel disruptions and had limited opportunities to engage in face-to-face training. It is a collaborative effort between Australia’s skills investment APTC and SINYC to develop skills, foster leadership, and explore employment opportunities for young people in the Solomon Islands. The 7th Series of the Dialogue, themed “Linking Skills to Opportunities,” featured a diverse range of speakers, including representatives from the Solomon Islands National Youth Congress,...

Solomon Airlines has announced a series of significant schedule updates for 2025 to enhance regional connectivity, boost operational efficiency, and provide smoother travel experiences for passengers and cargo. These strategic adjustments reflect the airline’s commitment to meeting passenger demand and supporting regional development. 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗦𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗱𝘂𝗹𝗲 𝗘𝗻𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀 Effective February 20, 2025, key updates include: ·          Honiara to Vanuatu Route: o    Flights from Honiara to Santo and Port Vila will operate on Mondays. o    Return services from Port Vila to Honiara will continue on Saturdays. ·          New Services Introduced: o    Tuesday: Direct flights from Santo to Brisbane. o    Thursday: Service from Santo via Port Vila to Auckland. o    Friday: Direct flights between Auckland and Brisbane i...

Fresh food vendors at Honiara’s Central Market say the construction of the western extension has transformed their lives, improving their business and livelihoods. Tropic Group Builders, in partnership with Honiara City Council, completed the SBD10 million Australian-supported project last year . The extension provides undercover space for 100 vendors, protecting them and their goods from harsh weather conditions. Ms Monica Justus from the Honiara Central Market Vendors Association sincerely thanks Australia for the extension works. Ms Monica Justus of the Honiara Central Market Vendors Association expressed her graditude for the new extension “This development has provided more comfort and boosted sales for market vendors,” Ms Justus said. Local vendor Mr Daniel Thogole who has been selling vegetables at the market for over ten years said the undercover extension is transformational for him and his family. “Before the extension, I used to sit in the hot sun all day, with my ve...

Takwea Market, located in northeast Malaita Province, actively connects communities and drives local commerce. For nearly a century, this vibrant market has served as an economic and cultural hub for mainland residents and those from the picturesque Lau Lagoon in the Lau/Mbaelelea Constituency. Vendors from both Tolo (mainland) and Asi (Lau) communities rely on the market to sell fresh produce, seafood, and other goods. Many families use the income to cover essential expenses like school fees and other social well-being. Overlooking the vibrant stalls of Takwea Market, a bustling hub of commerce and community in northeast Malaita province “Our ancestors initiated this market as a unifying space for trade and community,” said Market Master and Olemaoma Council of Chiefs representative, Mr Sethi Kunu. “It holds deep historical and cultural significance and continues to sustain livelihoods today.” Despite its rich history, Takwea Market faces challenges regarding proper infrastruc...