All Archive April 2010

Queen's Baton Relay 2010 Delhi Reaches Honiara

Queen's Baton Relay 2010 Delhi Reaches Honiara

Hundreds of excited young children came out to see the Queen's Baton Relay as it makes its rounds in Honiara.
Police media says that the paper has exaggerated its report by saying that there is 'hostility' among Solomon's police.

Police Media Unit Refutes Report

The police media has denied claims by Australian newspaper, The Australian which reported that "there is hostility among Solomon Islands police."

Former MPA Considers Suing Former MPs over RCDF

A former member of the provincial assembly (MPA) of Choiseul Province has blamed the Taiwanese government for releasing the $10 million dollars payout to the outgoing members of parliament.
Mr Sogavare says that the public has all the right to vent their frustration in the media since "it is simply an irresponsible decision by the caretaker government."

Sogavare Blasts Decision to Release RCDF

Former Opposition Leader and East Choiseul MP, Manasseh Sogavare has condemned the decision by the CNURA Government for the payment of the entire Rural Constituency Development Fund (RCDF)for the country's 50 constituencies for 2010.

Pacific Leaders Urged to Address the Region's Challenges

Press Release - Pacific Leaders and policy makers have been urged to come up with real solutions that will address challenges currently facing the small nations within the region.

Sue Me, Says Sasako

Veteran journalist Alfred Sasako says he welcomes plans by the Director of Public Prosecution, Ronald Bei Talasasa to take him and others to court for criminal libel and defamation of character.

PAP Seeks to Change Budgetary Framework

A People's Alliance Party, PAP, government will remove and radically change the budgetary framework as it is "a complete insult to the people of Solomon Islands."
Mr Pollard says the office of TSI will be looking into registering complaints to the president of Taiwan.

TSI Concerned With $10 Million Payout to MPs

Transparency Solomon Islands, TSI, has expressed concerns over the 10 million dollars payout to members of parliament dished out by the Republic of China, Taiwan, last week before dissolution of parliament.

Cairns Compact Peer Review welcomed in Kiribati

PRESS STATEMENT - Tuesday, 27 April, 2010 - Government representatives and development partners in Kiribati have expressed appreciation for the Cairns Compact Peer Review currently underway in the country's capital, Tarawa.
The concerned student said that should authorities in Fiji catch these students they could face difficulties since the person they are borrowing from is not a legal money lender.

USP Students Trade Passports for Money

A concerned student, writing from the University of the South Pacific's (USP) Laucala campus in Fiji, has called on relevant authorities to investigate allegations that students are trading in their passports for money.

People Encouraged to Check Voters List

Chief Electoral Officer, Mr Polycarp Haununu, is urging people to look out for the draft voters' list and help the Electoral Commission make a better list for the National General Election.
"I think this is good, that the prime minister has taken this action, it shows that he is an ethical leader," stated Garvin who wrote in from Fiji.

Mixed Reactions over PM's Mass Sacking

There has been mixed responses over the recent decision by Prime Minister Dr Derek Sikua to sack key Ministers in his cabinet, as well as several backbenchers.
Sir Peter said that the current Parliament has also passed a record number of bills, totaling 39.

Speaker of Parliament Pays Tribute to Outgoing MPs

Speaker of Parliament, Sir Peter Kenilorea, has paid tribute to the outgoing members of the Eight Parliament of Solomon Islands for what he calls "mending the broken pieces of the Happy Isles."

ANZAC Day Dawn Service Held

Solomon Islands government officials have joined the Australian and New Zealand diplomatic community to commemorate the ANZAC day in a dawn service at the Honiara Central Police station.

Pacific Nations Honoured for Leadership in Whale Sanctuary Establishment

Press Release - Auckland, 18 April - Several Pacific islands have received recognition awards from the South Pacific Whale Research Consortium (SPWRC) for leadership in establishing whale sanctuaries in their national waters.

No Food Security Without Protecting our Land and our Poor

Press Release - Boosting agriculture, creating viable local food systems and protecting the vulnerable will have measurable impacts on improving Pacific food security.

Memorial to Honour Local Wartime Scouts

Solomon Islands will be able to have its own war memorial to honours the services and bravery of Solomon Islands Wartime Scouts and Coast watchers along the Point Cruz Wharf area by the 7th of August this year.

PM Withdraws Bill

The Prime Minister Dr Derek Sikua has withdrawn the Political Parties Registration and Administration Bill 2009 in Parliament this morning.
Prime Minister Sikua says the two political reform bills would have addressed the kind of behaviour shown by his five former ministers and government backbenchers when bills were before parliament.

PM Appoints New Ministers

The Prime Minister has replaced the five cabinet ministers he sacked on Wednesday.

Radical Rethink Needed on Food in Pacific

PRESS RELEASE - WE ARE WHAT WE EATA radical rethink is needed on food if the Pacific is going to secure access to healthy, safe, high quality and nutritious food for all.
The Solomon Islands National Women's U-17 Team during their arrival this week.

U17 Wins, Through Great Support

The Solomon Islands Football Federation (SIFF) yesterday acknowledged that the success of the Solomon Islands National Women's U-17 Team in the Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) Women's U-17 Championship came about through the hard work of many people.
The Prime Minister, Dr. Derek Sikua has confirmed the sacking of five of his Ministers yesterday.

Prime Minister Sacks Five Ministers

The Solomon Islands Prime Minister, Dr Derek Sikua has sacked five of his cabinet ministers.
H.E George Chan, during the hand over yesterday.

Taiwan Strengthens Relationship Through Sports

The Taiwanese Government through its embassy in Honiara yesterday officially handed over 200 football balls to the Solomon Islands Government.
The Australian High Commissioner, HE Mr Frank Ingruber during the hand over in Isabel.

Australia Assists Huali in Isabel

Last week, the Australian High Commissioner, HE Mr Frank Ingruber, officially handed over five 1,000 Litre water tanks to the Huali community in Isabel province, Solomon Islands.
The representatives of twelve community groups during the handover this week.

Australia Funds Community Projects

Representatives of 12 community groups gathered at the Australian High Commission this week for a handover of project funding for small community development projects spread across all provinces of Solomon Islands.

Food Security in Pacific Urgent and Enormous

Press Release - 21 April 2010 - Port Vila, Vanuatu - The challenge of food security in the Pacific region is not only urgent but enormous and the region must work together to develop practical and realistic solutions.

No Laws for Dolphin Trade Ban

The Solomon Islands government says its laws donot provide for a ban on the dolphin trade.
SICTU says that the increase and other awards in the 2010 PER are "unjustified, selfish and is a mockery of the country's government system."

SICTU Plans Nationwide Strike

The Solomon Islands Council of Trade Union, SICTU, the country's trade union umbrella body, will be meeting today to decide on a nation-wide strike in protest of the 11 percent salary increase to members of Parliament.

Pacific Countries Prepare to Report on 2010 Biodiversity Targets

Press Release - 4/16/2010 - 11 Pacific island countries are to meet in Samoa next week for a workshop to assist them in completing their fourth National Reports to the Convention of Biological Diversity (CBD).

Seasonal Employment Understanding Signed

The Solomon Islands and New Zealand Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) scheme partnership will be strengthened by the signing of an Inter-Agency Understanding (IAU) between the Solomon Islands Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade and the New Zealand Department of Labour this morning.

Police Assist to Resolve Munda Murder

Munda Police have arrested and charged a 30-year-old man in relation to the death of young man from Rendova at Munda last Wednesday.
Scientists report that both bigeye and yellowfin species are being overfished and are in danger without significant reductions in annual catches.

Solomons in Tuna Conservation Meeting

Solomon Islands is one of the eight Pacific island nations currently in Majuro, Marshall Islands, with the aim of tightening conservation measures on our tunas.

Government Bids Farewell to Late Huni'ehu

The National Government last Friday bid farewell to former Minister of Mines, Energy and Rural Electrification, the late Honorable Edward Huni'ehu (MP) during a funeral service at the Central Church in Honiara.

Parliament to Address Three Bills in Final Week

The Solomon Islands parliament still has three bills to address before the house stands adjourned sine die at this final week of sitting for the C-NURA government.

New Political Party Launches Manifesto

A new political party, the Reform and Democratic Party of Solomon Islands, launched its manifesto in Honiara yesterday.
Despite many Police raids, the only way Kwaso problems can be solved is through community assistance.

Kwaso, a Huge Problem

The local brewed spirit, Kwaso, is now becoming Solomon Islands biggest law and order problem.

Tokelau Declares Newest Pacific Whale Sanctuary, Highlights Global Momentum for Whale Cons

Press Release - Tokelau, a territory in the South Pacific, declared its waters to be a whale sanctuary today, the eleventh such designation in the Pacific. The announcement took place at the start of a symposium marking the South Pacific Whale Research Consortium's tenth anniversary.

Visitor's Bureau Opens Australian Marketing Office

The Solomon Islands Visitors Bureau has opened it's Australian Marketing Representative office.

Money Laundering Bill Seeks to Amend

The Money Laundering and Proceeds of Crime Amendment Bill 2010 which was tabled in Parliament on Wednesday have sought to amend the Money Laundering and Proceeds of Crime Act 2002.

Draft Voters List in Process

The voter registration period of extension lapsed on the 12th April 2010 and the Electoral Commission is now in the second stage of voter registration.
Mr. Berman says he's struck deal with the Fanalei and Walande people to stop the slaughter of dolphins.

Environmentalist Wants Government to Ban Dolphin Trading

Environmental organisation, Earth Island Institute, wants the Solomon Islands government to ban dolphin trading altogether.

ADB to Support Samoa with Recovery from Global Crisis, Tsunami

MANILA, PHILIPPINES - The Asian Development Bank (ADB) is providing program loan assistance of up to $26.8 million to Samoa to help the Pacific Island nation revive its economy in the wake of the global financial crisis and devastating tsunami of September 2009.

Proposed Fiji Media Law Threatens Journalists with Jail

13 April 2010 - The Fijian government will be able to imprison journalists for up to five years, obliterating media freedom, if its Cabinet adopts a repressive draft Media Decree on Tuesday, said Amnesty International.

I will Contest for PM: Fono

The current Deputy Prime Minister Fred Fono, in an interview with Radio Australia, revealed that he will contest for the position of Prime Minister should he win the upcoming elections.
If the motion had succeeded, it may have been implemented at this year's general elections.

Parliament Rejects CBC Report

Parliament has rejected the 2009 Constituency Boundaries Commission Report, CBC, which proposed to add 17 additional constituencies. Debate on the report went on until well after 8pm last night with a majority of MPs supporting the motion "to reject the CBC Report."

Pacific Economies on the Road to Recovery - ADB

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - Countries in the Pacific region are expected to post overall average economic growth of 3.7% in 2010, up from 2.3% in 2009, according to a forecast by the Asian Development Bank (ADB).
"We are recovering from the effects of the Global Economic Crises, so it is only commonsense that this is not the time for the increase," said Mr Abana.

Abana Says No to Additional Constituencies

Minister for planning and aid coordination, Steve Abana, himself a key cabinet minister in the C-NURA government, has opposed the 2009 Constituency Boundaries Commission report.
UNDP's work in capacity building is very important for the future of the country, said Dr. Derek Sikua during a meeting with Ms. Elizondo yesterday.

Village Party and High Level Talks for UNDP Official Visiting Solomon Islands

During a three-day visit to the Solomon Islands, UNDP Deputy Regional Director for Asia and the Pacific, Ms. Ligia Elizondo, met with key politicians in the country to discuss strategic national issues such as the upcoming elections, peace building, and the impact of climate change.

New Zealander Charged for Drink Driving

An expatriate from New Zealand was today fined more than $1,000 for a driving charge at the Magistrate's Court.
Teams Urged to Finalize Team Registration for Beach Soccer

Teams Urged to Finalize Team Registration for Beach Soccer

The Solomon Islands Football Federation is urging Provincial Football Associations (PFAs) who plan to send teams to the Our Telekom National Beach Soccer Championship to finalise the registration of their teams before the due date of Tuesday 20th April, 2010.

PM Sikua Pleased With RAMSI Achievements

Prime Minister Dr Derek Sikua is pleased with achievements made by the Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands (RAMSI) in improving law and order and systems of Government after seven years of intervention.

Sea Level Rise Will Claim Island States

As according to SeaWeb's latest update: April 6, 2010, Vol. 15, No. 7
"UNDP and AusAID, your assistance is like a ray of sunlight in our darkest hours.." said community representative Julian Chonigolo in her speech to the visitors.

Warm Welcome to UNDP Official in Aruligo

It looked scary when villagers dressed like traditional warriors rushed towards Ms. Ligia Elizondo with spears and bush knives, but it was only part of Horobau's heartily welcome to UNDP's Deputy Regional Director for Asia and the Pacific.
Waeta Ben Tabusasi has defended the 11% increase to the salaries of all members of Parliament, saying MP's have not received a raise in their salaries in the last few years.

Chairman Defends MP's Salary Increase

Chairman of the Parliamentary Entitlements Commission, Waeta Ben Tabusasi has defended the 11% increase to the salaries of all members of Parliament, saying MP's have not received a raise in their salaries in the last few years.

MP Huniehu Dies after Long Illness

A long time outspoken Member of Parliament, Hon. Edward Huni'ehu, passed away last night after long illness.

6.8-magnitude Quake Strikes Solomon Islands

A powerful 6.8-magnitude earthquake struck near the Solomon Islands in the western Pacific on Sunday, the US Geological Survey said, but there was no tsunami alert or reports of damage.

Solomon Islands Says RAMSI ECM Ensures Transparency

Solomon Islands has described the Enhanced Consultative Mechanism (ECM) on the Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands (RAMSI) as a very important process "to ensure transparency and effective implementation of the Partnership Framework between the Government and RAMSI."
As part of her trip, Ms. Elizondo will travel to Aruligo in West Guadalcanal to inaugurate a village water supply system.

Senior UNDP Official Visits Solomon Islands

UNDP Deputy Regional Director for Asia and the Pacific, Ms. Ligia Elizondo, is currently in the country on an official visit from 11-13 April.
Mr McMullan said that the strategy is clearly set out in the 2009 partnership framework between the Solomon Islands government, RAMSI and Pacific Islands Forum.

RAMSI Exit Depends on Performance Benchmarks: McMullan

Chairman of the Enhanced Consultative Mechanism talks on RAMSI, Bob McMullan, has said that the mission's exit strategy will not focus on a date rather it would be "through setting a series of performance benchmarks."

Samoa Rat Eradication Project showing Signs of Success

Press Release - Six months after a rat eradication project began for the Aleipata Islands group in Samoa, a follow up visit after the operation reports no sign of the Pacific rat on Nu'utele Island.
Participants during the discussions  of the "Gender, Disaster Risk Management and Climate Change" workshop.

First Gender in Disaster Workshop Held

Imagine a woman lying unconscious and dressed in the tattered remnants of her clothing after a disaster. And imagine that it takes more time than necessary to give her first aid because the men in the search team do not want to touch her due to cultural codes.
The report says that Solomon Islanders in general will be worse off by the end of this year than they were in 2008 - because of negative growth in 2009 and a continuing population growth.

World Bank Calls For Prudent Fiscal Management

The World Bank is calling for careful fiscal management from the Solomon Islands government as a decline in logging continues to impact on government revenues and foreign exchange receipts.

Marist Rugby Club Thanks Solbrew for Support

Solomon Brewery Limited has indicated once again that it aims to support the Marist Rugby Club as it kick starts its activities for 2010.
Deputy Secretary-General Ransford Smith said that the Facility represents Commonwealth's direct response to the priority needs of its membership in the region.

Commonwealth Governance Institution Launched

An initiative to strengthen democratic and governance institutions, accountability and transparency, and people's access to information in the Pacific region has been launched in Honiara.

RAMSI Consultative Meeting Underway

The sixth consultative meeting between the Solomon Islands Government, the Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands and the Pacific Islands Forum is underway in Honiara.

Australia Provides $15 million to Support Income Opportunities for the Poor

Australia will provide a further $15 million to innovative private sector projects in Solomon Islands to promote poverty reduction and economic growth.

Enhanced Consultative Mechanism Meeting Held

The Enhanced Consultative Mechanism (ECM) between the Solomon Islands Government (SIG), the Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands (RAMSI) and the Pacific Islands Forum yesterday held its sixth meeting in Honiara, Solomon Islands.
The Hon. William Haomae with the Deputy Secretary General of the Commonwealth Mr Ransford Smith.

Commonwealth Deputy Secretary General Visits Solomon Islands

The Deputy Secretary General of the Commonwealth Mr Ransford Smith is currently in the Solomon Islands on a five day visit.

Pacific Freedom Forum Calls on Fiji Regime to Open Window on Draft Media Decree

The Pacific Freedom Forum (PFF) has called on Fiji's ruling regime to open up the time window given to the country's media for consultations on the draft of the country's new Media Decree.

Former Premier's Trial in June

Former premier of Western Province Alex Lokopio has appeared for final mention at the Magistrate's Court this morning.

Solomons to Benefit from Telecommunications Project

Solomon Islands will benefit from a multi-million dollar telecommunications technical assistance project, aimed at assisting the newly established telecommunications commission, over a period of five years.
Current ministers and backbenchers overwhelmingly agreed that the C-NURA government, under Dr Sikua's leadership, had achieved alot.

C-NURA Seeks to Form Government after Elections

Parties forming the current Coalition of National Unity and Rural Advancement (C-NURA) government have agreed in principal that they will contest the 2010 national general elections under a common platform.

PINA's VP Voices Concerns about Organisation

The Vice President of the Pacific Islands News Association (PINA) has voiced concerns over how the organization is being run, calling for major changes.
Yesterday the finals were completed with Team Solomon grabbing the top prize of $250-00. They did so after beating Team AC Milan in an action-packed final at the SIFF Academy football field.

Aefi School of Excellence Easter U-18 Challenge a Success

Severino Aefi has set an incredible example by single-handedly organising the SAS Football Excellence Easter U-18 Challenge. The competition grew out of Aefi's own Football School of Excellence Program which he runs at the SIFF Academy every Saturday.

Solomons to Feature Strongly at World Expo

A Solomon Islands group will today leave for Shanghai, China to help organize an exhibition for Solomon Islands at the upcoming World Expo 2010 later this month.

Customs and Excise Clarifies Vehicle G3440

The Customs and Excise today clarifies issues pertaining to Customs vehicle G 3440. The Comptroller of Customs, Mr. Nathan Kama described various reports on the vehicle in the Solomon Star as erroneous.
Mr Dorah said since political independence from Great Britain in July of 1978, the people of Solomon Islands, especially the rural village communities have been denied access to real development.

New Party Launched, Promises Change

Secretary General of the newly formed political party, People's Federation Party, Ruddolf Dorah, says the 2010 national general election provides an opportunity "for a fresh start for Solomon Islands."

Ashika Deaths Deemed Senseless

The Inquiry into the tragic sinking of the MV Princess Ashika in August last year has deemed the deaths of the 74 victims as senseless and that the causes of the disaster were "all easily preventable".

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