Solomon Islands

The bill postponing elections until 2024 has been approved; the 11th Parliament will dissolve on 31 December 2023 and the law will cease to be effective on 1 January 2024: national general elections will be held within four months of that date

The country obtained a $66 million loan from China to finance technology giant Huawei in the construction of 161 telecommunication towers across the nation; it is the first large-scale financing received by Beijing since the signing of the April pact

The country has joined the global call to conclude work on the Marine Biodiversity Treaty beyond national jurisdictions by the end of this year

There is no military base, nor any other military facility or institutions, in the country’s security agreement with China signed last April - PM Sogavare assured once again, stressing that that’s a very important point that he will continue to reiterate

Western Provincial capital of Gizo is once again being faced with one of its decade-long problems of water shortage, now presenting even more challenge for residents each day as short rains aren’t enough to fill the home tanks nor the wells

The Royal Police Force Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit has graduated 12 officers who completed level 2 of the International Mine Action Standard (IMAS) specialist operators course requirements

IMF conducted a virtual mission to Solomon Islands to discuss recent economic developments and policy plans; the final statement forecasts -4,5% GDP in 2022 but economic recovery is starting and a GDP rebound is expected in 2023

41 participants from Rendova and Munda in Western Province completed a three-day food safety and hygiene training last week at Titiru Eco lodge supported by the Ministry of Health and Medical Services' Food Safety Unit

The Vuri Forest Conservation Area in Babatana district of Choiseul province has become the fifth legal protected area in Solomon Islands after receiving the certificate of registration

The opening dates for schools, rural education centres and early childhood centres has been announced by MInister of Education with a staggered approach to resume face-to-face teaching after almost 15 weeks