Telebere News

Australia’s Foreign Minister, Senator Penny Wong, will arrive in Honiara today to engage in high-level discussions with the newly elected Solomon Islands Government. This visit underscores Australia’s commitment to bolstering economic, development, and security cooperation in the Pacific region. Minister Wong is scheduled to meet with Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele, Foreign Minister Peter Shanel Agovaka, and other key government officials. The discussions aim to address the Solomon Islands Government's priorities and forge a shared vision for the future of the Solomon Islands-Australia relationship. Australia’s Foreign Minister, Senator Penny Wong, arrived in Honiara today to engage in high-level discussions with the newly elected Solomon Islands Government. Photo by: Lukas Coch/AAP Image “The Australian Government is pleased to have supported the delivery of safe and secure elections in the Solomon Islands and remains committed to supporting Solomon Islands’ economic, developm...

The Solomon Islands must heavily invest in the tourism sector for economic recovery, as this sector can significantly boost the country’s economy, especially in light of the setbacks caused by COVID-19 and recent civil unrest. Despite being overshadowed by its neighbours, Fiji and Vanuatu, the Solomon Islands is a hidden gem in the South Pacific, boasting pristine natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and unique attractions. The recent resurgence in the tourism industry, driven by strategic marketing initiatives and celebrity endorsements, promises substantial economic and developmental benefits for the destination. Solomon Islands is a hidden gem in the South Pacific, boasting pristine natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and unique attractions. According to a report by the World Travel and Tourism Council on Travel and Tourism Economic Impact 2023, the direct contribution of Travel and Tourism to the Solomon Islands' GDP in 2022 was SBD108.5 million (1.0% of GDP). This fi...

Tourism Solomons is celebrating a positive start to 2024, recording its highest first-quarter international visitor arrivals since 2019. According to figures released by the Solomon Islands National Statistics Office (SINSO), the destination welcomed a total of 4,903 visitors in the first three months of the year. This represents a 24% increase compared to the 3,940 visitors recorded during the same period in 2023.   Australia remains the leading source market, with visitor numbers climbing slightly from 1,426 to 1,484. New Zealand also showed positive growth, with arrivals rising 39% from 236 to 329. Fiji and Papua New Guinea saw similar trends, with an 11% and 84% increase in visitors, respectively. However, the United States was the only source market to experience a decline, with visitor arrivals dropping by 5% from 351 to 330. Despite falling short of the record-breaking 6,042 visitors achieved in Q1 of 2019, Tourism Solomons CEO (acting) Dagnal Dereveke remains optimistic. He...

Australia has boosted the Solomon Islands government's efforts to combat financial fraud and corruption by donating new information and communication technology (ICT) and office equipment to Task Force Janus. Task Force Janus is a collaborative intelligence operation between the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) and the Ministry of Finance and Treasury. The new equipment was handed over by Australian High Commission's First Secretary Kellie Raab, who commended the close cooperation between different government agencies that Task Force Janus exemplifies. Director Leslie Simao, Deputy Secretary Margaret Moveni, Director Narwin Lasi receiving equipment from First Secretary Kellie Raab and ASIP-Gov Team Leader, Ann Rowley. "I am glad Australia's support can help the Taskforce to work more efficiently and effectively," Ms Raab said. RSIPF Director Leslie Simao welcomed the donation, highlighting the need for new equipment since early 2023. "Australia...

Hailing from the Western Province, Solomon Islands, Elexter Junior Bulehite , also known as Elexter Jr. isn't your average rising star. With a voice seasoned by island rhythms and a heart full of pop and R&B influences, he's carving a unique path in the music scene. Music wasn't always the plan for Elexter. Though childhood dreams of becoming a pilot took flight, an unexpected feature on a local artist's song in 2011 sparked a fire within him. The recording booth became his cockpit, and he hasn't looked back since. "Hearing myself on that song, it was a whole new feeling," Elexter recalls. "I just fell in love with it." Fueled by passion and inspired by icons like Justin Bieber and James Arthur, Elexter honed his craft. Social media became his runway, where he belted out soulful covers and connected with a growing fanbase. In 2019, he took a leap of faith, releasing his debut single, "Honey." The positive feedback was his vali...

The Solomon Islands domestic shipping industry is poised for a significant upgrade thanks to a collaborative effort between Solomon Islands Shipyard Limited (SISL) and the Australian Government.  An SBD 50 million investment will see the rehabilitation of the Sasape Shipyard in Tulagi, Central Province. Australian High Commissioner Rod Hilton with Officers of the Australian High Commission and Solomon Islands Shipyard Limited Australian High Commissioner to Solomon Islands, His Excellency Mr. Rod Hilton, emphasized the importance of safe maritime transport for the island nation. "As a maritime nation," he said during a visit to the shipyard, "Solomon Islands relies on shipping for the movement of people and goods. This partnership with a local Tulagi business ensures Tulagi residents benefit from the shipyard's rehabilitation." Australian High Commissioner Rod Hilton and General Manager Steve Maiden of Solomon Islands Shipyard Limited at Tulagi’s Sasape Shipyard...

Australia is helping create jobs for Solomon Islanders through skills and training, with seventeen young Solomon Islander women recently receiving their Australian accredited Working in Aged Care Preparation Skill Set qualifications. Nitalyn Loleke and Tanya Isiramo smiling proudly after receiving the Australian-accredited qualification which will enable them to pursue health sector jobs locally and abroad. Graduates with this qualification can pursue health sector employment opportunities in the Solomon Islands, or in Australia under the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme. This is the second cohort to complete the qualification under a collaborative training partnership between Australia and the Solomon Islands. Graduates with Second Secretary at Australian High Commission, Monika Betts and Director of Labour Mobility, Christina Maoma, both seated; and standing behind, APTC Country Director Abigail Chang. Speaking at the presentation ceremony Monika Betts, Second Secr...