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Check FAQAbout Dorothy
Dorothy Wickham is a seasoned journalist renowned for her in-depth coverage and analysis of the Solomon Islands, with a particular emphasis on international relations and economic development. Her work critically examines the geopolitical shifts in the region, including the Solomon Islands' strategic realignment from traditional Western alliances towards Chinese partnerships. Wickham's reporting also delves into the profound effects of climate change and the role of foreign aid in shaping the Pacific landscape. Equipped with both still and video cameras, Wickham is adept at providing compelling visual content for newspapers and television, catering to media outlets in need of high-quality pictures and footage. Her geographical positioning in the Pacific uniquely situates her to report on stories across the Melanesian region, including Papua New Guinea, Fiji, and Vanuatu, offering audiences a closer look at these diverse and dynamic areas. In addition to her journalistic endeavors, Wickham offers her expertise in language services, including translation and transcription work. Her multifaceted skills not only enhance her storytelling capabilities but also make her a valuable resource for media organizations seeking to bridge language barriers and bring forth authentic narratives from the Pacific region.
English
Portfolio
The Small Island That Won
The inhabitants of Wagina, a small island in the Solomon Islands, successfully resisted a mining project proposed by Solomon Bauxite Limited, which aimed to convert 60% of the island into a bauxite mine. The islanders, who have a history of forced displacement, fought a four-year legal battle that culminated in the revocation of the mining license by the Environmental Advisory Committee of the Solomon Islands in 2019. Despite the victory, the threat of mining persists, causing divisions within the community. The case highlights the islanders' determination to protect their home and environment against economic development pressures.
UXO: Lethal Legacy Archives
Nearly 80 years after World War II, unexploded ordnance in the Solomon Islands continues to cause fatalities and injuries. Unlike other war-torn nations, the Solomon Islands has received little aid for munitions clearance. Recent incidents have prompted renewed calls for the U.S. and Japan to assist in cleaning up the remnants of war.
China and Australia must not turn Solomon Islands into a gun state again
The article expresses concern over the recent actions by China and Australia to arm the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force with vehicles and semi-automatic rifles, fearing a return to the violence of the past. It criticizes the focus on militarization over essential social services like health and education, and questions the sustainability and necessity of increased police firepower in a country with a history of gun violence.
Real partnership with Solomon Islands must be based on truth
The article discusses the historical and current relationship between Solomon Islands and Australia, highlighting the exploitation of Solomon Islands' resources and labor by powerful outsiders, including Australia. It critiques the Australian government's policies and aid programs, emphasizing the need for a truthful and equitable partnership. The article also touches on the role of China and the U.S. in the region, calling for a recognition of shared history and the contributions of Solomon Islanders.
Outrage as Solomon Islands government orders vetting of stories on national broadcaster
The Solomon Islands government has ordered the censorship of the national broadcaster, Solomon Islands Broadcasting Corporation (SIBC), mandating government vetting of all stories before broadcast. This move has sparked outrage and concerns about press freedom, with critics including Julian Maka, the International Federation of Journalists, and the Media Association of Solomon Islands. The censorship follows Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare's claims of biased reporting and comes amid growing concerns about press freedom in the region, particularly following a controversial security deal with China.
As West points finger at China, we’d like to ask: What’s your move?
Solomon Islands journalist Dorothy Wickham discusses the changing dynamics in the Pacific, highlighting the importance of Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's upcoming visit to Fiji for the Pacific Islands Forum. She notes the shift in Solomon Islands' alliances, moving towards China, and calls for Pacific nations to chart their own course. Wickham critiques the negligible trade between Australia and Pacific nations and calls for more visible and effective aid, particularly in vocational training. She emphasizes the need for political leaders to protect sovereignty, wisely use resources, and ensure education and health access as Solomon Islands celebrates 44 years of nationhood.
Can you blame poor countries like mine for turning to China?
The Solomon Islands are grappling with the complexities of geopolitical competition, feeling neglected by traditional Western allies like the United States and Australia, and thus considering partnerships with China. Despite discomfort with the lack of transparency in negotiations with China, the Solomon Islands face pressing needs such as infrastructure, healthcare, and climate change challenges. The growing Chinese presence is visible in the capital, Honiara, with Chinese-run businesses and construction projects. The U.S. and Australia have been criticized for their reduced engagement and aid, while China has become the Solomon Islands' largest trade partner and has taken steps to address climate concerns. Recent disturbances in Honiara have prompted the U.S. and Australia to re-engage, with plans to reopen the U.S. embassy and return Peace Corps volunteers. The Solomon Islands, like other small and fragile states, are seeking to forge their own path with any supportive partners.
Can You Blame Poor Countries Like Mine for Turning to China?
The Solomon Islands is experiencing a shift in geopolitical alliances, with China increasing its influence through business projects and development aid. This has raised concerns about transparency and China's motives, while the United States and Australia are criticized for their lack of recent engagement. The article highlights the Solomon Islands' struggles with economic development, healthcare, and climate change, and calls for sustained action from Western countries to maintain their influence in the region.
If the U.S. Ignores Island Countries Like Mine, China Is Waiting in the Wings - The New York Times
The article discusses the Solomon Islands' shift in international relations, highlighting its historical ties with the West and current engagement with China. The author reflects on the country's economic struggles and development challenges, including poverty, lack of infrastructure, and vulnerability to climate change. Despite past assistance from the United States, Australia, and the U.S. Peace Corps, the author notes a perceived neglect by Western countries in recent times, leading the Solomon Islands to seek aid and business projects from China. The article suggests that the West's reduced presence and aid have left a gap that China is filling, raising questions about the strategic implications of such shifts in alliances for small, remote nations like the Solomon Islands.
If the U.S. Ignores Island Countries Like Mine, China Is Waiting in the Wings - The New York Times
The article discusses the Solomon Islands' shift in international relations, highlighting its historical ties with the West and current engagement with China. The author reflects on the country's economic struggles and development challenges, including poverty, lack of infrastructure, and vulnerability to climate change. Despite past assistance from the United States, Australia, and the U.S. Peace Corps, the author notes a perceived neglect by Western countries in recent times, leading the Solomon Islands to seek aid and business projects from China. The article suggests that the West's reduced presence and aid have left a gap that China is filling, raising questions about the strategic implications of such shifts in alliances for small, remote nations like the Solomon Islands.
If the U.S. Ignores Island Countries Like Mine, China Is Waiting in the Wings - The New York Times
The article discusses the Solomon Islands' shift in international relations, highlighting its historical ties with the West and current engagement with China. The author reflects on the country's economic struggles and development challenges, including poverty, lack of infrastructure, and vulnerability to climate change. Despite past assistance from the United States, Australia, and the U.S. Peace Corps, the author notes a perceived neglect by Western countries in recent times, leading the Solomon Islands to seek aid and business projects from China. The article suggests that the West's reduced presence and aid have left a gap that China is filling, raising questions about the strategic implications of such shifts in alliances for small, remote nations like the Solomon Islands.
Can you blame poor countries like mine for turning to China?
The article discusses the growing influence of China in the Pacific, particularly in the Solomon Islands, and the reactions from the United States and Australia. It highlights the complexities of geopolitical competition and the need for the U.S. to be more present in the region to counter China's promises of development aid and business projects. The lack of transparency in the Solomon Islands' negotiations with China raises concerns about the potential impact on the country's fragile institutions.
If the U.S. Ignores Island Countries Like Mine, China Is Waiting in the Wings
China's increasing influence in the Pacific Ocean, particularly through secretive negotiations with the Solomon Islands, has raised concerns in the United States and Australia about potential destabilization and military presence. The Solomon Islands, feeling neglected by traditional Western allies, are considering new partnerships to address their needs. The article emphasizes the importance of the United States showing up and engaging with smaller, economically insignificant countries to counter China's growing influence.
In 35 years of reporting from Solomon Islands, I’ve never seen the secrecy of the last few months
The Solomon Islands government has become increasingly secretive, particularly since the draft security agreement with China was leaked. Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare has refused to engage with local media, accusing them of colluding with foreign entities. This has led to a significant decline in media freedom, with journalists facing challenges in accessing information and a rise in online bullying. The situation has been exacerbated by the loss of journalists to public relations jobs and the downsizing of local newspapers. The Media Association of Solomon Islands is actively advocating for better access to information, emphasizing the importance of a free press in the current political climate.
Australia rejects claim its security forces in Solomon Islands were told not to protect Chinese-built buildings
Australia has denied claims by former Solomon Islands prime minister Danny Philip that its security forces were instructed not to protect Chinese-built infrastructure during last November's riots in Honiara. Australian High Commissioner Dr. Lachlan Strahan refuted the allegations, stating that Australian forces operate under the command of the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force and do not discriminate in their security support. The article also highlights differing opinions on the new security agreement between Solomon Islands and China, with some local leaders questioning its necessity and potential benefits.
Solomon Islands: ship crew accused of dumping 1,000 litres of oil in sea
A bulk carrier ship, MV Quebec, allegedly dumped about 1,000 litres of oil into the sea off the Solomon Islands, prompting government authorities to pursue legal action. The ship, operated by Greatsources Shipping, was carrying a logging shipment for a Chinese company. The oil spill, contained within one kilometre, polluted the beach and initiated a clean-up by maritime officials. Comparisons were made to a 2019 disaster involving the MV Solomon Trader. Local officials, including the premier of Temotu, expressed concerns over repeated pollution incidents in the region.
Australian and British bomb disposal workers killed by blast in Solomon Islands
An Australian and a British bomb disposal worker were killed in an explosion in Honiara, Solomon Islands. The blast occurred in their rented accommodation, which contained several unexploded bombs. The men were part of Norwegian People’s Aid, working to map unexploded ordnance from World War II. The incident has raised concerns about conducting explosive ordnance disposal in residential areas. The police and NPA are investigating the cause of the explosion, and NPA's activities in the Solomon Islands have been suspended.
Tragedy at sea: eight dead and four rescued after 32 days adrift in South Pacific
Four people were rescued after 32 days adrift in the South Pacific, following a tragic voyage from Bougainville to the Carteret Islands that resulted in eight deaths, including a baby. The survivors, who endured dehydration and trauma, were eventually picked up by a fishing boat and taken to the Solomon Islands for medical treatment. Efforts are underway to return them to Bougainville, with the Papua New Guinea High Commission involved in contacting their relatives.
The lesson from my trip to China? Solomon Islands is not ready to deal with this giant
The Solomon Islands' recent diplomatic switch from Taiwan to China has sparked significant debate and concern among its citizens. Dorothy Wickham, reflecting on her visit to China, highlights the vast differences between the two nations and questions the Solomon Islands' readiness to engage with such a powerful country. She underscores the potential risks to sovereignty, economic stability, and civil liberties, while expressing doubts about the Solomon Islands' political leaders' ability to manage this new relationship effectively. The article also touches on the broader implications of China's growing influence in the Pacific region.
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