Latest News Archive October 2009

Savo-Russells Bye-election Free and Fair

The Solomon Islands Electoral Commission says voting at yesterday's Savo-Russells bye-election was conducted in a fair and orderly manner.

Eviction Notice to Vendors of White River and Rove Markets Lapses Today

Police have given until today afternoon for people who own semi-permanent betel-nut stalls at White river and Rove markets to pull down those stalls.
Sir Allan is still under a 12 month suspended sentence imposed on him by the High Court.

More Questions Over Kemakeza's Candidacy

The Electoral Commission says the returning officer for Savo-Russells bye-election has acted against the constitution by allowing former MP, Sir Allan Kemakeza to contest today's bye-election.

Republic of Korea Supports e-Government in the Pacific

Media Release - Delegates from 15 Pacific Islands Countries have returned from an intensive two- week study tour of Korea directed at facilitating the development of e-Government in the Pacific.
The policy will be the first of its kind for the Solomon Islands.

New Policy on Violence against Women

A national policy on eliminating violence against women, now in its final developmental stages, will be officially launched by the end of next month.

Law Reform Commission Launches Consultation

The Solomon Islands Law Reform Commission has launched its consultation paper for an enquiry into the law and custom that applies to land below high water and low water mark.

Returning Officer Clarifies Sir Allan's Candidacy

The Returning Officer for the Savo and Russells by-election, Enley Sade, has advised the Solomon Islands Electoral Commission that he is satisfied that the nomination of Sir Allan Kemakeza should still stand according to the electoral law.
Dr Sikua says the assertions made by the TSI Executive Officer, Ellison Gauwane, are totally untrue and only shows that he is naive of the processes of government.

I Did Not Influence PEC Decision: PM Sikua

Prime Minister Dr Derek Sikua says neither he nor his cabinet had influenced the Parliamentary Entitlements Commission's (PEC) decision to award MP's spouses, the controversial $50,000 terminal grant.

USP Develops First Wind-Solar-Hydro System

The University of the South Pacific (USP) has developed its first wind-solar-hydro system, launching it last week.

Census Enumerators for Honiara Sacked

Media reports say that some 160 national census enumerators for the capital, Honiara have been sacked on allegations of bias during the selection process by Census recruiters.

New GM for SIWA Soon

A new General Manager for the Solomon Islands Water Authority, SIWA, will be announced this week.
Chief Electoral Officer John Babalu says, the Returning Officer has maintained his decision, citing powers under the Electoral Provisions Act.

Legal Issues Hang Over Sir Kemakeza's Candidacy

With just a day before voters in Savo-Russell's constituency go to the polls some legal issues have emerged over whether or not the former Member of Parliament Sir Allan Kemakeza is qualified to contest as a candidate.

Scientists Working on the First Worldwide Earthquake Alert System

Scientists are reportedly working on the first Worldwide Earthquake Alert System to help us better respond to disasters.

Operation 'Renders Safe' Clears the Deadly Remnants of War in Solomon Islands

The Australian Defence Force has completed the latest in a series of deployments in support of Operation RENDER SAFE, working to rid the Solomon Islands of unexploded ordnance left in the wake of some of the bloodiest battles of World War II.

FFA Conducts Regional Training

Officers from the Solomon Islands Maritime Police and the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine resources attended a prosecution and dockside-boarding workshop at the Forum Fisheries Agency in Honiara this week.

Devande Loses 2009 Pacific Break Title

Devande from Solomon Islands has lost the Pacific Break 2009 title for not complying with certain rules.
Vendors are now asking themselves, where to from here?

White River and Rove Markets Demolished

Law enforcement officers of the Honiara City Council have demolished betel-nut markets of White River and Rove yesterday afternoon following the expiry of the deadline set by the Council to remove the market stalls.

Forum Disability Ministers endorse Pacific Regional Strategy on Disability

Media Release - The first ever meeting of Forum Disability Ministers held in Rarotonga, in the Cook Islands, 21 - 23 October has endorsed a Pacific Regional Strategy on Disability 2010 - 2015 to support member countries protect and promote the rights of persons with disabilities in the region.

Special Coordinator Meets New Western Province Premier

RAMSI's Special Coordinator, Graeme Wilson, continued his successful provincial consultations this week, holding talks in Gizo with the recently elected Premier of Western Province, George Solingi Lilo.

Mamu Wins Journalism Award

Moffat Mamu, who took part in this this year's Development Asia Journalism Award, has scooped an award in the Climate Change Adaptation category.
The 2010 World Expo will be held in Shanghai, China.

Solomon Islands to Take Part in 2010 World Expo in China

Solomon Islands have confirmed their participation at the 2010 World Expo in Shanghai, China.

Pacific Climate Change Roundtable Closes in Majuro

Press Release - Majuro, Marshall Islands, 23 October, 2009 - The Pacific Climate Change Roundtable closed in the Marshall Islands this week.

Climate Change Negotiations, Slow Steps Forward?

Press Release - 22 October 2009 - Pacific islands countries are still waiting for "numbers on the table" from the developed countries outlining how much they plan to cut their greenhouse gas emissions.
Prime Minister Dr Derek Sikua says no funds have been paid to MPs under the 2009 P-E-R, which has now been ruled, null and void.

AG Suri Says Guidelines Needed For PEC

Attorney General Gabriel Suri says the Parliamentary Entitlements Commission (PEC) needs to have clear guidelines on how to interpret provisions in the constitution.

Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities in the Pacific

Media Statement - Members of the Pacific Islands Forum have been urged to pass appropriate laws and regulations to empower persons with disabilities in the region.

Hunt for Illegal Brewer Continues

The Solomon Islands Police are currently looking for a woman who escaped the police during an operation at the Verakusia Community behind West Kola Ridge early in the week.

New Cargo Agent in Brisbane

Solomon Islands National Airline, the Solomon Airlines has appointed Aircraft Loaders and Packers as its new cargo general sales and handling agent in Brisbane Australia.
Market Vendors have been given extra days to vacate their location.

Market Vendors Given Extra Days

The Honiara City Council has made the decision to extend its notice to the betel nut market vendors around White River and Rove Market areas for an extra seven days.

Solomon Islander Selected for EPLD

A recent graduate, Mr Exsley Taloiburi who hails from North Malaita, has been selected as the Solomon Islands representatives to participate in the 2nd Emerging Pacific Leaders Dialogue (EPLD) scheduled to take place from 11th to 23rd March 2010 - opening in Samoa and closing in Tonga.
Dr. Sikua calls for understanding of the public for his Government's non involvement in the decision by the Commission.

$50,000 Grant Quashed

Solomon Islands Prime Minister, Dr. Derek Sikua yesterday has welcomed a High Court decision to quash a Parliamentary Entitlement Commission (PEC) resolution to award a controversial $50,000 to spouses of members of Parliament.

Calls for Nation Wide Action on Climate Change

Minister for Environment, Conservation and Meteorology, Gordon Darcy Lilo has called on all Solomon Islanders to join the rest of the world to battle climate change as the country gears toward marking the International Climate Day on Saturday 24.

Permanent Secretaries Urged to Lead Implementation

Solomon Islands Prime Minister, Dr. Derek Sikua today has encouraged Permanent Secretaries to take a leading role in implementing current government policies and programs as government has only six months to serve people.
Henry Koto and Davor Ncevic during the Bilikiki training.

Swiss Bisol Coach Here to Assist Bilikiki

The Swiss Assistant Beach Soccer Head Coach is here in Honiara to assist the Solomon Islands National Beach Soccer team with its preparations for the FIFA Beach Soccer Wold Cup in November.
Opening up investment in the Province would create more income earning opportunities for rural Solomon Islanders.

Province Called On to Open Investment Doors

Solomon Islands Prime Minister, Dr. Derek Sikua is encouraging Provincial Governments to open up their doors for foreign investment.

Working with Nature to Adapt to Climate Change Impacts

Press Release - Majuro, Marshall Islands, 20 October, 2009 - Nature can be used to help the Pacific adapt to the impacts of climate change.

Isabel Frigates in Training

The Isabel Provincial Team for the upcoming Our Telekom Solomon Cup has begun training this week as it looks ahead to the tournament.
The training referees at the SIFF Academy.

Referee Course Underway in Honiara

A basic refereeing course is being conducted at the SIFF Academy in Honiara for potential referees. Twenty-four participants, including 13 women, have registered for the course.
Public is warned that this drug should not have been taken for Malaria as usually prescribed by various Private Health Clinics.

Dangerous Drugs Risking Lives

It has been discovered that several private outlets in Solomon Islands are dispensing the incorrect treatment for malaria, risking lives and jeopardizing the Ministry of Health's Malaria Control Program.
Provincial schools throughout the nation are also affected by the leakage of the paper.

Exam Finally Sat After Leakage Rumours

Today, the Solomon Islands Form three students nationwide will finally sit the Social Science exam paper following controversies of paper leakage.

JICA Malaria Project Coming to Conclusion

Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Project for Strengthening of Malaria Control is finishing its three-year term in mid December, 2009.

'Grasshopper Bill' Gathers Tremendous Support from Provinces

The Political Parties Integrity Bill, also called the "Grasshopper Prevention Bill" has received overwhelming support from provincial leaders following eight provincial consultations in the last three weeks.

Forum Economic Ministers to Discuss Global Economic Crisis

Press Statement - Economic Ministers of the Pacific Islands Forum will attend the 13th Forum Economic Ministers' Meeting (FEMM) in Rarotonga, Cook Islands, from 27-28 October 2009.
Gold extraction area within Gold Ridge, soon to be one of the biggest projects.

Gold Ridge Mining Expected to Provide Opportunities

Solomon Islands, Prime Minister, Dr Derek Sikua has said that the Gold Ridge Mining will be one of the largest private sector projects in the country once it becomes operational.

Market Vendors Call to Extend Notice

Market vendors based around the White River and Rove area have appealed to the Police and the Honiara City Council to extend the seven days notice given to them to vacate the premises.
The Police Fire Rescue Team, while attempting to free the female passenger.

Man Arrested After Vehicle Accident

Over the weekend, Police Traffic officers arrested a man and rescued a female passenger after the vehicle they were travelling in went off the road and collided with a tree near the Telekom Recreational Center.
Guadalcanal teams during the opening ceremony.

Guadalcanal Cup Kicks Off

The Guadalcanal Cup tournament kicked off to a good start yesterday with two matches played.

Disaster Prevention Network Project Signed

Top officials from the Solomon Islands Government and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) have signed notes following discussions on a Radio Broadcasting Network for Administering Disaster Prevention project this month.
Each year, hundreds of youths graduate into unemployment, a problem this project could help to solve.

New Project to Tackle Unemployment

A new six million dollar scheme to tackle urban unemployment in Solomon Islands will be introduced in 2010.

ADB and WWF Discuss Major Programs to Protect the Environment

MANILA, PHILIPPINES - The Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) are seeking to strengthen their partnership toward the sustainable management of natural resources in the Asia and Pacific region.

Plans for National University Underway

The Solomon Island Government's plan for a national university are well underway, as Cabinet is about to discuss a paper that will pave the way for the university project.
Albert Tasmania while opening the car door for VIP visitor, Sir Michael Somare, Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea, during his visit to RAMSI headquarters recently.

RAMSI's Rock of Polynesia

The contributions of the smaller Pacific Island nations such as Niue are greatly valued by the Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands (RAMSI).
Kurukuru Captain, Elliot Ragomo, with his Golden Boot award, won on the recent trip.

Kurukuru on Home Soil

The National Futsal Team has arrived back in the country last week after competing in the Alfateh Intercontinental Futsal Championship in Libya.
Tearoku's first clean running water.

New Water and Sanitation Facilities for Tearoku

The people of Tearoku on the Guadalcanal Plains have welcomed the handover on Thursday of new water and sanitation facilities that have provided Tearoku's first clean running water and will improve health standards across the community.
United Nations contribution to the Solomon Islands in 2009 totals to about SBD 108 million with an expected increase in 2010.

UN Consultations with Government Concludes on High Note

Last week, seven United Nations (UN) organizations gathered in Honiara with the Solomon Islands Government to review progress in 2009 and to agree on plans for 2010.

Journalists Urged to Put Human Touch on Climate Change Reports

A Pacific journalist has urged fellow journalists to put a human face and touch on reports of climate change, to tell the stories of those who are most vulnerable to the effects.

Police Target Criminal Activity at Markets and Roads

The Royal Solomon Islands Police Force will continue to target and disrupt illegal activities such as anti-social behaviour and disorderly conduct around market stall areas within the Honiara City.

"O" League Preview

The quest to become Oceania's top football club begins on Saturday when the Match Day 1 of 2010 O-League kicks off.

New Look O-League Set for Kick-Off

The newly-expanded 2010 O-League featuring the champion clubs of Fiji, New Caledonia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Tahiti and Vanuatu is set to get underway this weekend.

TSI Has New Executive Officer

The Solomon Islands anti-corruption organisation, Transparency Solomon Islands (TSI), has elected a new Executive Officer, Mr Ellison Gauwane.
The Police recruits during their march drills at the Police Head Quarters.

New Police Recruits to Conclude Programme

The Royal Solomon Islands Police Force's current recruit training program is nearing completion with six weeks remaining.
Australian High Commissioner, Frank Ingruber, handing over the cheque to SI Tennis Federation's David Wingston.

Australia Supports Junior Tennis Development

Australian High Commissioner, Frank Ingruber, returned a powerful serve from Solomon Islands Tennis Federation, Head Coach, Joel Benjamin to win the match point in a friendly doubles tennis match played at the High Commissioner's Residence on 14 October.
Mr. Tuiloma Neroni Slade, Secretary General of the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat, commends the Solomon Islands Government for the decision to accede UNCAC.

Forum Secretariat Commends Solomon Islands

The Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat commends the Government of Solomon Islands for its dedication and commitment to fighting corruption following its decision to start working towards acceding to the United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC).

ADB to Help Cook Islands Economy Recover from Crisis

MANILA, PHILIPPINES - The Asian Development Bank (ADB) is providing $10 million in budget support to the Cook Islands that will give a short-term boost in economic activity in response to the global financial crisis.

TARD Supports North Malaita Sports League

The To'abaita Authority for Research and Development (TARD) student volunteer group provided more than four thousand dollars ($4,038.50) yesterday to help complete the 2009 North Malaita Soccer and Netball League at Malu'u.

Business Manipulation Must Stop: Malaita Province Leaders

Key leaders of Malaita Province yesterday have strongly recommended a total ban on business manipulation in national politics.

NRH Review Goes Public

The first public forum to review the quality of medical services at the National Referral Hospital started in Honiara this morning.
The SPC in-country office, established early this year, will help implement the Solomon Islands government and SPC's joint country strategy (JCS) for the next four years.

Abana Highlights Importance of SPC in-country office

Minister for National Planning and Aid Coordination, Hon. Steve Abana, has highlighted the importance of the Secretariat of the Pacific Communities (SPC) in country presence during the Sixth Conference of the Pacific Communities (SPC) in Nuku'alofa, Tonga.
Mr Wilson thanked Sir Michael for Papua New Guinea's strong and continuing support for RAMSI.

RAMSI Thanks PNG for its Strong Support

The Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea, Sir Michael Somare, today visited the headquarters of the Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands (RAMSI).

Opposition Welcomes Fight Against Corruption

The Parliamentary Opposition Group has welcomed the efforts taken by the Coalition C-NURA Government to weed out corruption in the country and calls on the ruling regime to begin within its camp.

Sixth Conference of the Pacific Community Ends Successfully

The Sixth Conference of the Pacific Community officially ended today in Nuku'alofa, Tonga. The Minister for National Planning and Aid Coordination, Hon. Steve Abana, represented the Solomon Islands in this important regional gathering.

16 Year Old Still Missing

The Solomon Islands Police are still looking for the young girl who went missing since Thursday the 8th of October 2009.

UPNG to Have Open Campus in Honiara

The University of Papua New Guinea (UPNG) will today offifically open its Open Campus in the Solomon Islands.
The award was invested by the Solomon Islands Governor General Frank Kabui at Government House yesterday afternoon.

Sir Somare Receives the Star Award

Papua New Guinea's Prime Minister, Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare has been awarded the Solomon Islands highest honour, the Star of Solomon Islands.

Palau: World's First Shark Sanctuary

Palau has declared itself as the world's first shark sanctuary, ending all commercial shark fishing in its waters and inviting other nations to follow suit.

East Tasimboko Harvests First Batch of Rice

Prime Minister Dr Sikua has said he believes Solomon Islands can grow its own rice to feed its people if every body works together.

O-League Representatives in Camp

The National O-League Representatives has gone into camp for the final week of its preparations to meet Lautoka Football Club of Fiji.

Guadalcanal Football Cup Rescheduled

The Guadalcanal Football Association (GFA) Guadalcanal Cup tournament is set to kick off on Monday 19th October, 2009.

Kurukuru Goes Down Fighting

The National Futsal Team went down fighting against Asian powerhouse Iran in their final match at the Alfateh Intercontinental Futsal Championship in Libya.
Papua New Guinea's Prime Minister, Sir Michael Somare will arrive in the country tommorrow.

Sir Somare to Vist Solomon Islands

The Grand Chief, Sir Michael Somare, Papua New Guinea's Prime Minister will arrive tomorrow on a three-day visit to the Solomon Islands.

Temotu Responds Well to Tsunami Warning

Reports from Temotu Province say the people there responded very well to tsunami advisories issued after the earthquakes between Vanuatu and Santa Cruz.

Commissioner Calls for Tighter Controls Over Tinted Windows in Vehicles

Police Commissioner Peter Marshall has called for tighter controls over the use of the dark-tinted windows in vehicles.
Many flocked across the city's main road to the safety of the hills where the Forum Fisheries Agency is situated.

Tsunami Warning Triggers Panic in Honiara

Yesterday morning's tsunami warning has triggered fear and panic amongst residents of Honiara.

Tsunami Warnings Cause Panic Around the Region

Yesterday's tsunami warning caused residents of nations around the region to seek out family members and rush for higher ground as they anticipated the waves hitting.

Tsunami Warning Cancelled

The latest bulletin from the Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre has canceled the tsunami warning and watch that was issued in the region.

Earthquake in Vanuatu Triggers Tsunami Warning

An earthquake with a magnitude of 8 was generated in the Vanuatu region at around 10am this morning prompting a tsunami warning for countries nearby.

USP Provides Counseling for Students after Last Week's Tsunami

The University of the South Pacific (USP) is providing counseling support for its students from Samoa and Tonga after the tsunami that devastated parts of the island nations last week.

High Court Adjourns Case of Foreign Nationals

The High Court has adjourned the case of two foreign nationals who were fined 1-point-2 million dollars for bringing undeclared goods into the country.

Central Province Premier Sacks Key Ministers

Central Islands Premier Patrick Vasuni has terminated his Deputy Premier Fred Samora as of yesterday.
Kurukuru team made a heroic introduction at the Alfateh Intercontinental Futsal cup.

Kurukuru Goes Down to Libya

The young Kurukuru side lost to hosts Libya in their first match but made for themselves a heroic introduction at the Alfateh Intercontinental Futsal cup.
Renovations will soon be underway for the Arts and Cultural Village in Honiara.

Monks from Japan Donate a Million Dollars for Cultural Village

A group of Agon-shu monks from Japan have donated a million Solomon dollars towards renovating the Arts and Cultural Village in Honiara.

Stakeholders Workshop on Avian Flu Underway

A stakeholder's consultative workshop on the implementation of Solomon Islands Pest and Disease Response Plan takes place tomorrow in Honiara.

Government Thanks Team Solomons for Fine Performance

Government is grateful for the spirit of good sportsmanship and success demonstrated by Team Solomon Islands to the Pacific Mini Games, PMG, in the Cook Islands.

Charles Ashley Case Adjourned

The case of prominent Honiara lawyer Charles Ashley is further adjourned to October 19 because his lawyer is asking the prosecution to disclose some more documents.

Asia-Pacific Broadcasters Vow to Step Up Fight Against Climate Change

ULAANBAATAR, MONGOLIA - Television and radio broadcasters from across the Asia-Pacific region have pledged to step up their role in the fight against climate change.

ADB Provides $1 Million for Samoa Tsunami Victims

MANILA, PHILIPPINES - The Asian Development Bank (ADB) will provide $1 million to support emergency relief efforts in Samoa, following last week's devastating tsunami which left close to 170 people dead and thousands homeless.
Kurukuru team prior to departure.

Kurukuru Flies to Compete in Libya

Solomon Islands National Futsal Team 'Kurukuru' left Honiara yesterday heading to Libya for the Alfetah Continental Futsal Cup.
Sir Michael will receive the Star of Solomon Islands in Honiara.

PNG Grand Chief Sir Michael to Visit Solomons

Papua New Guinea prime minister Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare will make an official visit to Solomon Islands from the 12 to 14th of this month, October.

Government Prioritise Finalising 2010 National Budget

Prime Minister Dr Derek Sikua says the finalizing of the 2009 appropriation bill 2010 is one of governments main priorities before parliament meets again in November.
Veravaulu village chief Morris Taovia and Mrs Taovia, with His Excellency, Hon Sir Anand Satyanand and Lady Satyanand.

New Zealand Governor-General Joins RAMSI Contingent for Village Visit

The Governor-General of New Zealand, His Excellency, Hon Sir Anand Satyanand, and Lady Satyanand, visited the north-west of Solomon Islands' Guadalcanal Province on Saturday to take part in a village visit as part of their official visit to Solomon Islands.

Samoa Releases Names of Tsunami Victims

The names of Samoan nationals who became victims of last week's tsunami have been released and the death toll as of Saturday is at 135 deaths and 310 injured.

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