All Archive April 2012

Scientology Provides Free Seminars

The official launch of the Scientology Volunteer Ministers Goodwill Tour Solomon Islands, signals the launch of a month of free seminars on the 19 subjects of the Scientology Handbook.

Solomons to Join Women's UN Board

Australia and Solomon Islands will take up seats on the United Nation's Women Executive Board from January 2013.

Festival Committee Confident of Security Arrangements

The National Festival Arts Committee says it remains positive about Honiara's security situation for the upcoming festival despite increased rates of violent thefts in Honiara this month.
All four were knifed and beaten up at separate times on Saturday 21 April at the Honiara Central Market.

Reconciliation Seeks to End Violence

Families of four victims attacked in Point Cruz this month met with representatives of the perpetrators in a reconciliation ceremony to stop further retaliations in Honiara.

Western Pacific Closes in on its Measles Elimination Target

MANILA, 23 APRIL 2012 - The World Health Organization is closing in on its goal of eliminating measles in the Western Pacific Region by the end of this year.
Patrick Wong says the governments repetitive mishandling of the RIPEL issue should serve as a warning to other Foreign Investors.

RIPEL Threatens to Sue

The Russell Islands Plantation Estate Limited are now threatening to sue the Solomon Islands Government for 324 million Solomon dollars or around 44 million US dollars in compensation.

RAMSI Exit a Priority Discussion

Australia's Defence Minister Stephen Smith says an exit plan is being developed for the defence contingent of the Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands.

More Opportunities for Youths

The Papua New Guinea High Commission in Solomon Islands has launched its first ever Employment Training Program in Honiara yesterday.

Coral Triangle Still Needs Protection

Objectives on biodiversity, fisheries and climate change outcomes should be integrated when designating Marine Protected Areas (MPA) for the so-called Coral Triangle, according to a report by a consortium studying methods to protect the region.

Regional Consultation of REDD+ Policy Framework Begins

About 30 people, representing 10 Pacific Island Countries (PICs) and regional organisations, are currently attending a meeting to discuss a Pacific Regional Policy Framework that will facilitate PICs' access to support under REDD+ (Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Degradation) funding possibilities.

Police Lay Charge over Fatal Stabbing

The Royal Solomon Islands Police have formally charged a 22-year old man following the fatal stabbing last Saturday.

Gladstone Welcomes Soldiers

Today the little city of Gladstone officially welcomes its four soldiers who have returned after deployment in the Solomon Islands.

Strengthening the Capacities of Pacific Islands Countries in Mainstreaming Gender

The Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC) is pleased to share the findings of a gender stocktake conducted in six Pacific Islands countries in 2009-2010.
The two Asian business associates continue to export seaweed despite the cancellation of their work and residential permits.

Exporters Defy Laws: Sikua

Opposition Leader Dr Derek Sikua has questioned why relevant authorities are not taking appropriate actions against the two Asian business associates for continuing to export seaweed despite the cancellation of their work and residential permits.

Rural Development Clarifies Claims

The Ministry of Rural Development has clarified that Taiwanese Embassy never paid 5.5 million dollars to the Solomon Islands Government for outstanding projects as claimed.

Opposition Calls on Government to Ensure Safety

Solomon Islands Opposition Leader Dr Derek Sikua has condemned what he terms as the brutal murder of a young Solomon Islands Government diplomat and the injury of four others in Honiara last Saturday.
PNA waters hold almost 50 percent of the global skipjack stock.

Sustainable Tuna Expected from New Agreement

Pacifical is a global company jointly set up by the Parties to the Nauru Agreement (PNA) countries in 2011 of which Solomon Islands is a member.
Women and children in a makeshift bath on Guadalacanal.

Speaking out on Climate Change

In the male-dominated society like that of Solomon Islands, men make the decisions and women tend to the children and prepare food.

New Correctional Centre Under Contruction

Construction of the new Gizo Correctional Centre and staff housing has officially commenced with a ceremony on the site last Friday.

PFF Condemns Police Bashing of PNG Journalist

PFF Rarotonga, COOK ISLANDS- The Pacific Freedom Forum condemns the brutal attack by uniformed Police officers on Papua New Guinea journalist Mark Kayok on the evening of Saturday 21 April, in Port Moresby.

Archbishop Calls on Authorities to Assure Safety

Solomon Islands Archbishop of the Church of Melanesia, David Vunagi, has said the safety of the general public in Honiara is no longer guaranteed.

Grassroots Development in Focus

The development of future local footballers is the focus of a week-long FIFA and OFC grassroots course taking place in the Solomon Islands capital of Honiara last week.
Yongster defender, Chris Tafoa.

Tafoa Made Debut Over Weekend

Politics and controversy aside, Chris Tafoa has a lot in common with athlete Zola Budd.
The fatal incident occurred in front of the Honiara Central market early Saturday morning.

Fatal Stabbing Cause Fear Over Weekend

A Foreign Affairs official has died after a fatal stabbing incident in the early hours of Saturday morning in front of the Honiara Central Market.
Ruth Bosi(L)receives her certificate from Ms. Afu Billy, Regional Director to the Commonwealth Youth Programme.

More Graduate from APTC

Fifty five Solomon Islands students graduated from courses in hospitality, tourism, hairdressing and children services from the Australia Pacific Technical College (APTC) at a special ceremony in Honiara on Friday.

Palau: Journo Jobs, Media Freedoms Face the Axe Under New Bill

PFF Rarotonga, COOK ISLANDS--Independent journalism and jobs for journalists in Palau face the axe if a proposed telecommunications bill before the country's senate becomes law, says regional media monitoring network the Pacific Freedom Forum.
Ms Hughes says the first thing is to stop propping up these corrupt elites who swallow up any aid or tourist income or mineral income.

Academic Critical of Aid Assistance

An Australian academic has criticized Australia and New Zealand aid programmes in the Pacific, saying they are chiefly responsible for appalling social outcomes, particularly in Melanesia.

Solomons Names Soccer Squad

A 31-man training squad for the OFC Nations Cup has been revealed by hosts the Solomon Islands and there is no shortage of well-known names amongst the line-up.

Pacific Open Learning Health Net Progresses in Vanuatu

VANUATU, 17 April 2012 - The World Health Organization and the Vanuatu Ministry of Health recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding to formalize the development of the Pacific Open Learning Health Net (POLHN) in the country.

Police Investigate Mysterious Death

Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of a man found just outside the Metal Sheet Products Limited gate in the Ranadi Industrial area.
Caribbean Pacific Collaboration on Crop Diversity

Caribbean Pacific Collaboration on Crop Diversity

Imagine a coconut tree surviving in a bottle small enough to hide in the palm of your hand. Amazing, isn't it? Yet this is not Aladdin's cave and no genie's magic but an advancement of science that has made possible the preservation and maintenance of clean, pure varieties of our traditional staple food crops.
Dr Sikua says that the level of contradiction displayed by the Minister for Immigration and the Director for Immigration are "interesting and warrant an inquiry."

Opposition Baffled at Immigration Slip Up

The Opposition group says they are puzzled at the explanation given by the Minister for Commerce and Immigration, Elijah Doromuala, when pressed to explain how Mr. Zhang reentered the country after he was allegedly deported.

Telekom Rectifies Issue

Solomon Islands only Telecommunication Company "Our Telekom" has rectified the technical problems to its Fixed NGN network system.
Lisa and Amie, from Wantok Stori are currently in country to work with local youths.

Wantok Stori Begins Project

The Wantok Stori film project has announced the team that will begin work with them in the Solomon Islands this week.
With the new policy, an extra 500 jobs will be created in Noro.

New Fishing License a Bonus

The region's leading tuna management control authority in the Pacific believes the latest move by the Solomon Islands to give priority to fishing companies that invest in the country would influence investment and offer more employment for locals.
Annabel Norman discovers a new meaning to "No Rush" in Honiara.

Plenty Challenges in the Lead up to Festival

After a month and a half in the Solomon Islands, I am starting to settle in. The greatest challenge has been the heat and getting used to moving around outside in such hot weather.
Despite the campaign the common site of rubbish and the lack of rubbish bins are still evident.

Anti-Litter Awareness Continues

The Honiara City Council Litter Campaign Team will continue another intense anti-litter campaign in Honiara.

Scholarship to Study in Australia to Close Soon

Solomon Islanders thinking of applying for a scholarship to study in Australia next year have only until the end of April to lodge their application form.

SPC to Continue Support to Melanesian Countries in Biosecurity and Trade Facilitation

Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC) Market Access Specialist Josua Wainiqolo made it clear that SPC will continue to provide assistance through its Land Resources Division to Melanesian countries in improving biosecurity issues and increasing trade in agricultural and forestry products.

Aviation Academy Graduates Students

For the first time Solomon Island students have graduated from the Airport Fiji Limited Aviation Academy in Nadi.

Guam Confirms Number of Participants to Festival

Solomon Islands will be receiving a 150 member delegation of Guam artists and performers to participate in the 11th Festival of Pacific Arts in Honiara, Solomon Islands this July 1 - 14.

Ongtong Java People Demand Temporary Lifting of Ban

The people of Ontong Java, Malaita Outer Islands, have handed a set of demands to the government on the bechedemer issue.

WHO Collaborating Centre for Tobacco Control Launches in Hong Kong

HONG KONG, 9 APRIL 2012 - A new WHO collaborating centre was named here today to help smokers quit and to reduce the heavy toll of tobacco-related deaths in the Western Pacific Region.
Remnants of a dark and horrible past.

Rumors Not True, says Former Militants

Former Militants of the Isatabu Freedom Movement, IMF, say they are deeply disturbed by the circulation of false rumors of another "ethnic conflict."
Mr Maelanga said Solomon Islands' bilateral relationship with Taiwan is special and unique and will be strong despite the challenges and changes in the international front.

Solomons Assures Relationship with Taiwan

Solomon Islands will continue to support Taiwan in its bid to become a recognized member of the international community.

Government Dishes Out on New Vehicles

The Solomon Islands government recently spent four million dollars to purchase 22 new vehicles from local suppliers in Honiara.
Ms. Zinihite at work in the National Referral Hospital.

Just the Right Medicine

In 2003, Julie Zinihite was just beginning her pharmacy career and seven years later, in 2010, she became the first Solomon Islands female to be appointed Chief Pharmacist at the National Referral Hospital.

Fijian Flood Emergency: WHO Advice Public to Prevent Diseases

SUVA, 04 APRIL 2012 - As a joint coordinator for the health and nutrition cluster, WHO and UNICEF convened the first cluster meeting to identify the key health and nutrition priorities post-flooding and ensure the coherent and effective response of all agencies, organization and NGOs.

Documentary Gives More Voice to Women

A new documentary capturing the experiences of Solomon Islands women had premiered last Sunday on One Television.
Gary Barlow on a traditional experience with the Solomon Islands Member of Parliament for West Are Are, Hon. John Maneniaru.

Gary Barlow Tweets on Experience

Last week he was stranded on the Solomon Islands as a cyclone approached the region and on returning home safely Gary Barlow decided to tweet his holiday snaps from the trip.

Vanuatu Beats Solomons in Beach Soccer

Vanuatu has won the Asia Pacific beach soccer final defeating the Solomon Islands Bilikiki team in a nail biting finish.
Visiting Australian Governor-General, Ms Quentin Bryce, farewelled by the Speaker of Parliament, Sir Allan Kemakeza.

Australian GG Shares Insight

Visiting Australian Governor-General, Ms Quentin Bryce, shares her remarks at a Women's Forum held at the National Parliament on Tuesday this week.
Kristina, one of four Solomon Islanders awarded an Australian Leadership Awards scholarship this year, is studying a two-year Masters of Climate Change at the Australian National University (ANU).

Kristina Gets Ready to Tackle Climate Change

Solomon Islands is vulnerable to impacts of climate change but if Kristina Fidali has her way, these challenges will be tackled head on.

Government Pledges $2M for Western Festival Preparations

The Solomon Islands National Government last Saturday has pledged a total of $2 million dollars to assist Western Province prepare a satellite venue in Gizo for the 11th Festival of Pacific Arts in July.
Australian Governor-General, Ms Quentin Bryce meets the WARA ladies.

Australian GG Meets Rural Women Organisation

A rural-based volunteer women's organisation in Solomon Islands is leading the way for women to manage their finances, learn to budget for household items and save for their family's future.
Wallabies number 8, Radike Samo will be visiting Solomon Islands as part of the Australian Sports Outreach Program

Radike Samo for Solomon Islands

Qantas Wallabies, Will Genia, Radike Samo, Digby Ioane and Ben Tapuai have been selected as Ambassadors for the Pacific in Union program, a new tripartite initiative between Australian Rugby Union, the IRB and the Australian Government.

Fiji Begins Recovery Operations

Fiji is starting recovery preparations after the heavy flooding that hit the country in the last few days.
The Opposition office says that for such an important institution to be without a substantive Head for this long is worrying.

Opposition Queries Delay of Appointment of PC

The Opposition calls on the Government to explain the delay in bringing into the country the British national appointed as the new Police Commissioner of the Solomon Islands.

Weather Watch Cancelled

The weather office in Honiara has cancelled all warnings related to the low pressure system that had formed near Rennell Bellona Islands.

New Report Reveals High Prevalence of Betel, Tobacco Chewing in Western Pacific

MANILA, 23 MARCH 2012 - A new report by the World Health Organization (WHO) reveals a shockingly high prevalence of areca nut (also called betel) and tobacco chewing in the Western Pacific Region and urges governments and other stakeholders to make people aware of the dangers to health.

Quarantine and Public Health Issues for the Festival of Pacific Arts

Delegates attending the 24th Meeting of the Council of Pacific Arts and Culture currently being held in Honiara were informed of some crucial issues regarding preparations for the eagerly awaited Festival of Pacific Arts in July.

Secretary of US Navy Reiterates Strong Ties in Visit

Secretary of the US Navy Ray Mabus has reiterated the ongoing ties of friendship that bind the United States of America and Solomon Islands during a meeting with Acting Prime Minister and Minister for Finance Rick Hou last week.
What was meant to be a quick stopover turned into a few days as weather reports predict tropical storms over the next few days.

British Pop Star Visit Solomons

British pop star Gary Barlow, a member of the famous Take That pop group, is currently in Solomon Islands seeking inspiration for his collaboration with Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber to mark Queen Elizabeth II's Diamond Jubilee.

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