All Archive June 2008

Digicel Plans EUR178m for Pacific Expansion

Digicel, the Caribbean mobile operator currently expanding in the region is looking to acquire a $70million loan to fund its expansion in the region.

Youths Support Honiara Council Clean Up Campaign

The Honiara Council Coca Cola Clean-Up started this morning with a good turn out of youths.

Gold Ridge Claim Comfortable Win

Gold Ridge 2 claims the court with a win of 38-30 over HT Arrows on Saturday.

Reaffirmation Ceremony July Second

Honiara will feature what might be the largest ever reaffirmation and forgiveness ceremony to be staged in the capital between former rivalries from Malaita and Guadalcanal provinces.

Launch of Report on Corruption and Transforming Lives

The Asia Pacific Regional Human Development will launch its "Tackling Corruption, Transforming Lives" report at the Solomon Kitano Mendana Hotel today.

Asking Favours Develops Friendship

The nature of "asking favours" often lead to strong friendship.

Works in Place for Solomons First Rugby Stadium

A ground breaking ceremony at the Town Ground field officially kick starts building of Solomon Islands first national rugby stadium.

Australian High Commissioner to Fiji Receives Another Death Threat

Australia's High Commissioner to Fiji has received another death threat, the third threat against the High Commissioner.

Samoan RAMSI Officer Involved in Fatal Accident Refuses Interview

The Samoan RAMSI officer in Brisbane involved in a fatal accident that claimed the life of a young female nurse graduate refused to be interviewed by Police.

Solomons Welcome End of Telekom Strike

People of the Solomons are breathing a huge sigh of relief as Telekom workers end their week-long protest.

Solomons Stages Biggest Trade Show

With the country's 30th independence anniversary just around the corner, Solomon Islanders are looking forward to see the biggest trade show staged in the capital city.

SIEA to Light Up National Color for Trade Show

Solomon Islands Electricity Authority, SIEA, is currently working at the KG fields in preparations for the National Trade and Cultural Show.

Solomon Islanders Haul Medals at Oceania Championship

The 2008 Oceania Championships finally got underway at the Oleai Track and Field in the Northern Marianas. Reports from The Saipan Tribune say that three Solomon Islanders competing at the 2008 Oceania Championships have scoped up two bronze and one silver medal.

Pacific Water Conference Jingle and Poster Competitions Launched

Apia, Samoa - As part of the upcoming Pacific Water Conference which will be held from 9 - 11 September 2008 in Apia, the Pacific Water Association (PWA) is involving the youth in promoting important water messages to the public.

Top Local Detective to Interview Samoan RAMSI Officer

A leading Detective from the Solomon Islands Police Force leaves the country for Brisbane today to interview the Samoan RAMSI Participating Police Force (PPF) officer that was involved in the fatal motor vehicle accident that occurred on Friday 13 June 2008.

Business Skills Training for Small Business Operators

A two weeks training aimed at building business skills is currently being coordinated by the Women's Development Division of the Ministry of Women and Children Affairs.

Ngava on the New Wantok Cup Competition

The Wantok Cup is the brainchild of the Solomon Islands Football Federation (SIFF) with no link to the now defunct Melanesia Cup competition.

Discussions in Place for SIFF Television Project

Oceania Football Confederation President Reynald Temarii is in Zurich to discuss with FIFA officials the television project for Solomon Islands.

Solomons to Introduce Free Education Next Year

Solomon Islands will introduce free basic education next year.

CSSI Women's Network Launch Action Plan

Women are taking on stronger and more senior jobs within the Solomon Islands prison service - including working in the men's area of the prison for the first time - with the help of a Women's Network to promote career paths for female officers.

New Asia-Pacific Network Launched to Tackle Water Problems

SINGAPORE - Twelve organizations from across the Asia-Pacific region today launched a network to share solutions for improving water management to tackle the region's many pressing water challenges.

Strike Ends, Telekom Workers Return

Well placed sources have revealed that the Striking workers of Our Telekom will now return to work as of tomorrow.

Telekom Strike Escalates

The Telekom strike is escalating with striking workers now accusing their beleaguered CEO Martyn Robinson of campaigning to keep tariffs on the increase and manipulating accounting figures to keep telecommunications charges high.

Government Introduces Collateral Bill

The Minister of Finance, Hon. Snyder Rini announced that the government will be tabling a bill that will expand what can be used a collateral to obtain loans.

Sikua Faces No-Confidence Motion

With just over six months in office, Solomon Islands Prime Minister, Dr. Derek Sikua, will face his first no-confidence vote in the upcoming meeting of Parliament.

Senior Pacific Policy Makers to Discuss Freedom of Information

Senior policy makers from Forum Island Countries are to discuss with international experts and Pacific counterparts issues regarding the value of freedom of information (FOI) in the region at the Freedom of Information Workshop for Pacific Policy Makers to be held in Honiara, Solomon Islands, 30 June - 2 July 2008.

Digicel Launches with The Bigger Better Network in Vanuatu

Investment of US$35 Million brings Competition and Choice to the South Pacific Island

ADB President Outlines Water Agenda for Asia-Pacific Region

SINGAPORE - Asian Development Bank (ADB) President Haruhiko Kuroda today unveiled a seven-point agenda to prioritize water investments in the Asia-Pacific region and said that the institution is committed to helping countries in the region boost new water investments to $20 billion to improve water security.

Telekom Strike Affecting Communications

Impact of Telekom's strike is surfacing in the capital city Honiara.

Police Arrest Offender After 19 Years

Police have charged a man for murdering Aussie ex-pat 19 years ago.

Launch of New Pidgin Bible

The Saint Barnabas Cathedral Church will launch its Pidgin Bible next month.

Pay Does Not Justify Our Safety: Security Workers

With Our Telekom strike still ongoing and government workers threatening to take a nationwide strike this week, workers of a local security firm in Honiara are also expressing grievances in their field.

Freedom of Information Workshop in Honiara

A workshop organized by the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat and the UNDP Pacific Centre will be held in Honiara early next week.

Telekom Strike Disrupts 999 Emergency Line

Police are urging Telekom that despite its ongoing strike to maintain essential services.

Please Give Reasons for Resignation, says Sogavare

The National Parliamentary Opposition Group has called on the Chairman of the National Provident Fund (NPF) board, Mr Adrian Wickham, who reportedly resigned at the weekend due to Government pressure to remove Mr Robinson, to explain the reasons for his resignation.

Cab Driver Explains That 'Extra Passenger'

A cab driver has explained to Solomon Times that security is the reason why taxis carry around an extra man usually referred to as the 'crew' during their night shifts.

PM Sikua Opens Taiwanese Trade Show in Honiara

Prime Minister Dr Derek Sikua and Taiwanese Ambassador to Solomon Islands, His Excellency George Chan jointly opened the Taiwanese Trade Show in Honiara yesterday morning.

RAMSI Sponsors Free Music Concert

On Saturday 28 June, RAMSI will be sponsoring a free concert at the Cultural Village in Honiara and the event is open to everyone who wants to attend.

Japan Funds Jetty and Market in Auki

A signing of the Exchange of Notes between the Government of Japan and the Solomon Islands Government was held recently at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade.

CBSI Launches 'Money Smart Day'

The Central Bank of Solomon Islands, CBSI, yesterday launched an annual event called 'Money Smart Day'.

Lady Panpipers in the Solomon Islands?

Some say it's not right, others say get used to it. What's all the commotion about? A handful of ladies, nuns to be exact, playing the panpipe.

Walking Bare feet, a Cultural Identity?

Many things have changed in the Solomon Islands since the abrupt introduction of the western culture to the country few decades ago, but a practice which has withstood the test of time is the tendency of many to walk around in bare feet.

Telephones Down as Strike Continues

Solomon Islanders are increasingly feeling the pinch of the Telekom Strike as more systems are likely to go down.

PNG Sees Historical Oil and Gas Deal

Last week saw a historical deal in Papua New Guinea's history as landowners were given authority by their government to explore and develop their own oil and gas reserves.

PNG Police make Major Counterfeit Cigarette Seizure

Papua New Guinean police seized a container of counterfeit cigarettes in Port Moresby after two months of surveillance in an effort to stop the flow of counterfeit goods into the country.

Exhaust All Dispute Resolution Avenues: SICCI

The Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SICCI) say that there are issues, which need to be looked at, raised by the current industrial dispute between Telekom workers and management.

Telekom Strike Causes Concern

The decision by indigenous Our Telekom workers to continue with their strike action despite Government efforts to have them return to work has caused concern among Honiara residents.

Telekom Strike May Disrupt Air Services

As the Telekom strike enters its seventh day today, the Civil Aviation Authority warns that if the strike drags on much longer, there is a real possibility of serious disruptions to both domestic and international flights.

Fiji Pulls Out of Talks with Joint Working Group

Following Fiji's interim government's questioning of the Joint working Group's merit, Fiji has pulled out of the talks.

Forum Secretariat Explains Non-attendance at two International Meetings

The Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat has explained that as a regional organization representing its 16 member countries it receives a lot of invitations to represent the region at international meetings around the world.

Popular Local Artist Lends Helping Hand

Solomon Islands' most well known artist, Samson Saeni, widely know as Sharzy, recently made a two days trip to Vella La Vella in the Western Province to help the community school.

HCC Youth Division to Organise Youth Day

The Ministry of Women Youth and Children Affairs today officially handed over the International Youth Day celebrations for this year 2008 to the Honiara City Council youth division.

Provincial Side Walk Out Volleyball Champs

The unbeatable Noro volleyball team of the Western Province walked out of the court with heads up high.

Sir John Sends Condolence to Kabui Family

The African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) Secretary General, Sir John Kaputin, describes the unexpected and sudden death of the President of Bougainville, Joseph Kabui, as "a great shock".

Makira Gets Back to Custom Garden as Food Prices Surge

The North South Star Harbor Constituency in Makira Province recently opened a custom garden to promote the use of subsistence methods of farming in the constituency.

SIFF Conducts Coaching Courses

The OFC senior coaching license course currently underway at the SIFF Academy is part of 'Win in Oceania' programme the OFC is currently implementing.

National Reaffirmation Ceremony Planned for 2nd July

The Sikua-led government is calling on Solomon Islanders to support the upcoming reaffirmation ceremony saying that it will begin a process of repentance, forgiveness, reconciliation and national healing.

Fiji's Interim PM Questions Forum Group's Merit

Fiji's interim Prime Minister, Voreqe Bainimarama, has questioned the merit of the Forum-Fiji Joint Working Group following a recent travel ban.

Niue Elects New Premier

Niue's parliament has elected Mr. Toke Talagi as its new premier yesterday morning.

Pacific Islands Forum-Fiji Joint Working Group on the Situation in Fiji

The Working Group held its thirtieth meeting at the Forum Secretariat Headquarters in Suva on 12 June 2008, attended by senior officials from Australia, Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, Kiribati, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea and Tuvalu.

Pushing Cultural Borders as Bus Fares Rise

As bus fares increase, it is now common sight in Honiara to see people cycling, some to work others doing household errands.

Fono Defends PM's Tours

Acting Prime Minister, Honorable Fred Fono (MP), has defended Prime Minister Dr. Derek Sikua's overseas trips following what he describes as misleading criticisms by Opposition MP, Japhet Waipora.

Online Employment Site Launched

An online employment portal for the Solomon Islands, LiuNomoa.com, was launched on the Internet today. The managers of the site, Nick Reese and Brett Chant, say that LiuNomoa.com is a free website for people to find work, or for employers to post positions vacant.

Rick Hou Takes Up Top Job in World Bank

Outgoing Governor of the Central Bank of Solomon Islands (CBSI), Rick Hou, is scheduled to take up a two year contract with the World Bank at its Washington head office September this year.

8 Arrested After Huge Kwaso Bust

Two early morning raids by the Police resulted in the arrest of eight people and the seizure of over 750 liters of Kwaso. The Police also confiscated manufacturing equipment in one of the largest illegal alcohol busts in recent years.

Family Seek Compensation over Death

The Solomon Islands and the Samoan Governments are expected to start discussing soon compensation claims over the death the late 26-year old Hilda Ilibae, a trainee nurse, killed in a tragic road accident last Friday night.

Climate Change Threatens Solomon Islanders

Communities in Solomon Islands may lose their homes, culture, identity and way of life because of climate change Minister of Environment, Conservation and Meteorology Gordon Darcy Lilo has warned when he addressed the opening of the one-week Climate Change workshop that begins in Gizo yesterday.

Our Telekom Workers on Strike

Our Telekom company indigenous workers have stopped work as of 4.30pm yesterday afternoon for an indefinite period.

Fiji's Prostitution Problem

Fiji's Immigration Director speaks in an interview about the social problem that plagues not just Fiji, but the entire region.

Three PNG Nationals Knighted

Three Papua New Guinean nationals have been knighted by the Queen for their outstanding contributions to society.

Solomon Islands to Get a Royal Visit

In his speech celebrating the official birthday of Her Majesty the Queen on June 13, His Excellency the Governor General Sir Nathaniel Waena GCMG KStJ CSI, announced that there would soon be a Royal Visit to the Solomon Islands.

Kwaso, a Silent Killer

Drinking Kwaso is fast becoming a problem affecting young people in the Solomon Islands and, according to community workers, it is getting worse.

Police Leaders Lay Hilda to Rest

The Commander of RAMSI's Participating Police Force, Denis McDermott and the mission's most senior Pacific Island representative, assistant Special Coordinator, Mataiasi Lomaloma today travelled to Malaita with the Solomon Islands Police Commissioner, Peter Marshall to attend the funeral of the late Hilda Ilabae.

PNG Admits to Trafficking Problem

In response to the recent report by the US State Department, police in PNG, while admitting to the problem of trafficking, say that it is not as bad as the report portrays.

Prime Minister of Samoa Apologizes for Death of Young Nurse

Solomon Islands Prime Minister, Dr. Derek Sikua, has received a condolence message from the Prime Minister of Samoa, Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi, after the tragic and untimely death of a young nurse.

Sogavare Calls for Review of Facilitation Act

The National Parliamentary Opposition Group has renewed its call on the Government to immediately facilitate the review of the legal framework governing the operation of the Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands as approved by Parliament last year.

Kurukuru Flies off to FUTSAL World Cup 2008

Tears of joy flowed freely amongst the Solomon Islands players, officials and supporters at the Vodafone Arena in Suva as the crafty Islanders sealed their place in the 2008 FUTSAL World Cup after topping the OFC FUTSAL Championships.

Police Investigates Fatal Motor Vehicle Accident

The Solomon Islands Police Force (SIPF) has commenced an investigation into the fatal accident involving a RAMSI vehicle that occurred last Friday at Tasahe Drive.

Government should do more to Curb High Prices: Honiara Resident

With the sky rocketing prices in Honiara many are still confused as to what was the cause.

NDMO Organize Trainings for Provincial Disaster Coordinators

The National Disaster Management Office (NDMO) says its 10 Provincial Disaster Coordinators will be among 90 participants who will take part in a one-week Climate Change Workshop in Gizo from the 16th to 21st June.

Government has Given in to Loggers: TSI

Transparency Solomon Islands (TSI) is disappointed that the Government has backed down and given in to logging companies as it has not increased the Determined Value of logs as has been gazetted.

Fiji Immigration Warns of Education Scam

Fiji immigration has warned the public about an education scam that was uncovered when an Indian national was detained at Nadi International Airport, Fiji's main airport.

Aussie Idol Contestant to Assist Solo Idol Show

The Australian High Commission is bringing out previous Australian Idol Contestant, Australian artist Hayley Jensen. Hayley will be in Honiara for a week to conduct a workshop for finalists competing in this year's show.

Tourism Training for Local Operators

In an attempt to increase the capacity of tourism operators in the Provinces a week long training was held at Flamingo, Honiara Hotel by Solomon Host.

Kurukuru's Flying High, Beats Fiji

The Solomon Islands Futsal boys have continued its dominance of the OFC Futsal Tournament in Fiji, with a comprehensive 11- 6 against the host country Fiji.

Fiji Committed to Holding Elections in March 2009

Fiji has assured the African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) Council of Ministers in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, of its commitment to holding free and fair election in March 2009.

City zoning to be discussed in Meeting: City Clerk

The bus fare increase has got the city council bosses thinking, and is responding to a private view published recently for the zoning of the city.

Guadalcanal Province Provides Land for Disaster Office

Guadalcanal Province premier Stephen Panga and his executive have today confirmed they will allocate a piece of land for a disaster office at Doma as soon as they start building the new Headquarters.

City Council Takes Over Multipurpose Hall

The Honiara City Council (HCC) Clerk Joseph Huta said that despite taking over the running of the Multipurpose Hall the HCC will not disrupt any sporting activities taking place in the Hall.

Government to Establish Land and Lost Property Inquiry

One of the Government's key plans, aimed at addressing the root causes of the ethnic tension, is a step closer to being finalized following Fiji and Vanuatu's commitment to support the Solomon Islands Government initiative.

Kiribati: A Neighbour's Dire Situation

Kiribati has been trying to make the world aware of the situation global warming has put the island nation in. The question is whether, we, its regional neighbours, are really aware of Kiribati's situation and also aware of the fact that we could all possibly be headed towards the same predicament.

Kurukuru does it Again

With only the second day of the Oceania Football Federation Futsal Championship the Solomon Islands football Futsal Kurukuru boys have now topped the Oceania football confederation Futsal table following their impressive 8-5 win over New Caledonia yesterday.

ACP Expresses Concern On Most Aspects of EPAs

The 87th African, Caribbean and the Pacific (ACP) Council of Ministers Meeting in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia opened today (June 9th) with the Group expressing concern about the way most aspects of the Economic Partnership Agreements (EPAs) have progressed.

Do Something about the Mentally Ill: Honiara Residents

Solomon Times met up with a group of people early yesterday morning standing in front of the ITA building opposite the main market of Honiara.

TRMPC Doctors Visits the Solomon Islands

The Taiwan Root Medical Peace Corps (TRMPC), a non-profit group consisting of 28 volunteers ranging from dentists, lab technicians and nurses will be doing voluntarily work while in the country.

Honiara, Still a Safe City

Many often ask how safe is Honiara? Walking past a canteen in Honiara late yesterday evening, a drunken man lying in front of a canteen in Lengakiki seemed to answer the question.

SICTU Warns of Telekom Dispute Spreading

The Solomon Islands Council of Trade Unions, SICTU, has warned of the Telekom dispute spreading and bringing in international trade unions if the local employees go on mass resignation and Telekom tries to bring in foreign workers.

Cuban Doctors is a Blessing to Solomon Islands: Alependava

The arrivals of the Cuban Doctors in the country resulting from an arrangement made under the former Government of Sogavare is continuing.

The Perfect Way to Start the Tournament: Wai'ia

That was how Solomon Islands Futsal coach Victor Wai'ia described his sides 5-1 romp over New Zealand in the opening match of the OFC Futsal Championships in Suva.

Teach Our Children Right

While it is difficult for many to admit, abusive words are quite common in many household in the Solomon Islands, having a huge negative impact on young children.