All 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
$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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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 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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
New Police Recruits to Conclude Programme
The Royal Solomon Islands Police Force's current recruit training program is nearing completion with six weeks remaining.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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 Flies to Compete in Libya
Solomon Islands National Futsal Team 'Kurukuru' left Honiara yesterday heading to Libya for the Alfetah Continental Futsal Cup.
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.
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.