Economy Archive October 2007

GSM Mobile Service Now in Tulagi

Our Telekom has now expanded its mobile coverage to the Central Province capital, Tulagi.

Minister Lilo Delighted with Outcome of Airline Meeting

The Minister of Finance, Gordon Darcy Lilo, is pleased with talks to settle disparities existing between shareholders of the national airline company, Solomon Airlines.

Solomon Airlines Workers to Get Wage Rise

SINUW members of the Solomon Airlines have been promised an increase of wages by 6%, as early as Friday, and a further 6% before December.

Extended Work Hours for Public Servants

The government is rescheduling the working hours for public servants across the country to work an extra hour starting on November 1 to December 4, 2007.

Police Conduct Inquiry into Dead Infant

The SIPF Sexual Assault Team is conducting an inquiry into the death of an infant.

Australia to Send Army Reserves to Solomons

A deployment of Australian Army Reserve soldiers will travel to Solomon Islands.

CBSI Raises Caution on Proposed Minimum Wage Rise

The Central Bank of Solomon Islands, CBSI, has raised caution on the proposed increase on the legal minimum wage from $3 to $7.50.

Disgruntled Security Workers Issue Strike Notice

Disgruntled workers of the Solomon Security Service firm have raised claims on rates being paid to them.

Police Come Clean for Honiara

If ever there was a time that the community could feel proud of their police and their city, it was today.

Japan Mission Completes Survey on WWII Soldiers

A Japanese two-men research team carried out surveys on battle and burial ground sites for Japanese soldiers who fought and died during World War II in Solomon Islands.

Fight for Rights of Local Musicians

A push in the right direction for local musicians is taking its toll.

Major Clean Up Campaign a Success

The Honiara City Clean-Up Day pulled together residents from all walks of life to help towards a major clean-up day.

Wives of Politicians Leave for Taiwan

The wives of politicians in the Sogavare-led government have left the country today bound for Taiwan.

Clean Up Campaign In Honiara

A city-wide clean up campaign will take place in Honiara.

Australian Navy Divers Assist Solomons Police

A team of Royal Australian Navy divers and an Explosive Ordnance Disposal element of the Solomon Islands Police Force have disposed over 400 explosive projectiles and bombs.

Solomons Stage First Police Open Days

The National Police Open Day officially launched today at the Rove police headquarters ground in Honiara.

Guadalcanal to Establish Provincial Capital

Guadalcanal Provincial Government will soon establish a provincial capital outside of Honiara following a ground breaking ceremony at Doma, West of Honiara.

Breaking Ceremony to Launch Guadalcanal Township

Guadalcanal Province heralds the first part of development of its very own township.

A Tsunami Survivor Recalls Tragedy

The 2nd of April 2007 is marked in the history of Solomon Islands, in particular the Western Solomons, as the 'dark day' for the nation as a whole.

Review will Strengthen Gov't - RAMSI Partnership: Oti

The Government's intention to review the Facilitation of International Assistance Act (FIAA) is important to strengthen the partnership between the government and the regional mission.

Taiwan Government Releases Fund

The government of Taiwan today released more than SBD$900,000 to fund two separate government projects in the country.

New Zealand Indicates Willingness to Assist Solomons

New Zealand has indicated it would be prepared to consider providing assistance to Solomon Islands in the review of the Facilitation of International Assistance Act.

Transparency SI Delegation Leaves for Bali

A delegation of the Transparency Solomon Islands, TSI, have left for Bali, Indonesia, for the Transparency International Conference and Membership Meeting.

Open Days to Showcase Police Life

The Solomon Islands Police Force will stage a two-day event to showcase to the public what police life is all about.

Fighting Women's Cancer a Challenge to the Nation

Combating the cancers that are routinely killing Solomon Islands women is one of the greatest challenges facing our nation.

Police Charge Woman With Assault

A 32 year old woman was charged by the White River Police with Assault Causing Bodily Harm.

Our Telekom Supports Pink Ribbon Day

Our Telekom donated SBD$2500 and two Prepaid Breeze mobile phones on Friday 19th October in support of Pink Ribbon Day.

New Centre for Burns Creek Youths

Save the Children Solomon Islands today funded a 'Sweat Before Success' (S.B.S) Information Centre for youths of Burns Creek Community and youths.

Dolphins Arrive Safely in Dubai

After 30 hours of transport time, all 28 dolphins from Solomon Islands arrived safely to one of the world's largest resorts, The Palm Atlantis in Dubai.

SIPPA Establish Network to Help Rural Health

The Solomon Islands Planned Parenthood Association (SIPPA) has established an effective network to help rural health.

Women's Trade Fair Opens in Munda

A women's mini trade fair was officially opened in Munda at Western Province this morning.

Former Guadalcanal Deputy Premier Warn of Future Unrest

The Former Deputy Premier of Guadalcanal Province has warned that the continued sale of alienated land on East Guadalcanal could trigger civil unrest in the country in the future.

Florence Young Christian School Holds Graduation

More than 800 students from Florence Young Christian School graduated on Friday during a colorful graduation ceremony held at the school compound.

Appointment of New Chief Magistrate

Chief Justice, Sir Albert Palmer CBE, has announced the appointment of the new Chief Magistrate of Solomon Islands, Leonard Maina, from Temotu Province.

Kilu'ufi Hospital to Celebrate 40th Anniversary

The hospital was opened on the 24th of November, 1967, by Sir Robert Foster (KCMG).

No Laws Broken on Lifting of Dolphin Ban: Leni

The Solomon Islands Fisheries Minister, Nollen Leni, has defended the decision to lift the ban on leidolphin exports to overseas markets in light of accusations from animal welfare groups.

Don Bosco Farewells Former Rector

The Don Bosco Technical Institute School in East Honiara bid farewell to former Rector, Fr. Luciano Capelli sdb.

Sogavare Pleased with Taiwan Trip.

Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare will return this afternoon after attending the 2nd Taiwan-Pacific Allies Summit in the Marshall Islands and a brief visit to Taiwan.

Lokopio Dismisses Media Reports of Misuse of Funds

Western Provincial Premier, Alex Lokopio, has dismissed media reports claiming the government has diverted post-disaster rehabilitation funds to individual MPs.

Tuna Stock under Threat: Oti

Foreign Affairs Minister, Patteson Oti, told the Post Forum Dialogue Plenary session that two of the main tuna species of the region are on the verge of becoming over fished.

Cleaning Up Provincial Finances

A project to help provincial governments better manage their accounts has been completed in three provinces and is now underway in Makira and Western provincial governments.

Blue Skies for Pink Ribbons

Lady Alice Waena took to the skies of Honiara today in support of Solomon Islands' inaugural Pink Ribbon Day which aims to raise funds for fighting women's cancers in Solomon Islands.

Taiwan Solar Energy Company Ready to Help SI

Taiwan's solar power giant, MOTECH Industries, has indicated that it is willing to assist Solomon Islands solve its power problem.

Dolphins Flown Out Today

The controversial dolphin trade has resumed with at least 28 dolphins bound for Dubai in the Middle East.

Man Killed, Suspect Dies from Knife Wounds

An elderly man was viciously attacked with bush knives and murdered at a plantation camp near Sifola in the Russell Islands.

Sacking of Airline Board Unnecessary: Huni'ehu

Opposition spokesman on finance and treasury, Edward Huniehu, says government backbencher and east Honiara MP, Charles Dausabea's call to sack the Solomon Airline board is unnecessary.

Waipora Promotes Lake Tengano in Taiwan

The Minister for Provincial Government, Japhet Waipora, said the Solomon Islands government is seeking foreign investors to develop Renbel Province's Lake Tegano as a tourism hotspot.

Our Telekom and ANZ Signs MOU to Expand to Rural Areas

Our Telekom and ANZ signed a milestone agreement which will directly lead to the expansion of financial services and telecommunication to more Solomon Islanders.

Consultation Workshop on Draft Early Childhood Policy

A consultation workshop on the draft of the national early childhood education policy framework and action plan for 2007-2009, was held at the community youth programme center (CYP) today.

Gov't Seeks to Introduce Free Basic Education

The government is seeking to introduce free basic education in the country with the assistance of Taiwan.

30 Live Dolphins Bound for Dubai

It has been revealed that the Solomon Islands will once again engage in the controversial dolphin trade.

Isabel Holds Youth Parliament

In what has been described as "a major step forward for youths", Isabel Province will, on the 22nd and the 28th of this month, hold a Youth Parliament at its Provinicial Capital, Buala.

World Sight Day Celebrated

The world sight day was celebrated yesterday at the central market with the theme "Children and Vision" focusing mainly on children who are visually impaired.

Airlines Board Chairman says Contract Justifiable

The Opposition Finance and Treasury spokesman joins other Parliamentary colleagues in criticizing the contractual arrangement between Solomon Airlines and its Finance Controller.

Sogavare Leaves for Marshalls, Taiwan

Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare is leaving tomorrow for the 2007 Taiwan/Pacific Islands summit in Majuro, Marshall Islands.

Taiwan Gov't Hands Over Hospital Project to Solomons

The Taiwanese government officially handed over the National Referral Hospital Phase 3 project to the government and people of Solomon Islands.

RAMSI Congratulates Fiji on their Independence Day

The Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands (RAMSI) congratulated Fiji on the occasion of their Independence Day.

Taiwanese Health Team to Solomons

A Taiwanese Health team has left their country for Solomon Islands.

Police Settle Land Issue Dispute Peacefully

Solomon Islands Police Force acted fast in peacefully settling a dispute between landowning groups and a logging company.

Australian Youth Ambassador Farewelled

Honiara City Council last week farewelled Australian Youth Ambassador, Ben Kilsby, who has worked in the Youth, Sports and Women's Affairs Division for the past year.

New Executive for Laucala-based Solomons Students

Solomon Islands students based at the University of the South Pacific's main campus, Laucala, have elected a new executive committee.

New Heritage Park Hotel in Solomons

A new Papua New Guinea-owned Heritage Park Hotel at the Point Cruz area is under construction.

New Curriculum for Teachers

A two-day workshop for teachers to learn the use of the Accelerate Christian Education (ACE) curriculum is currently taking place at the Commonwealth Youth Centre (CYP).

Orientation Workshop for SIPPA

An orientation workshop is currently underway for the Solomon Islands Planned Parenthood Association (SIPPA) staff, volunteers and board.

Canberra's Negative Reaction Expected: Oti

A negative reaction from Canberra to the concerns that was raised about RAMSI to the United Nations General Assembly was expected, states Foreign Minister Patteson Oti.

Gov't Seeks to Reduce School Fees

Minister of Education, Dr Derick Sikua, stated in a recent visit to South Guadalcanal that the government will do all it can to ensure that education remains affordable.

PM Supports Taiwan's Desire for UN Recognition

The Solomon Islands government has deplored the world's suppression of Taiwan's desire for re-admission to the United Nations.

Back to Basics and Do Them Well: SICTU Briefing

The Solomon Islands National Provident Fund held a briefing with members of the Solomon Islands Council of Trade Unions.

High Demand for Betel Nut Fruit-Leaf

Chewing betel nut is a popular pastime here in the Solomons, and currently the betel nut fruit-leaf is at a very high demand in and around town.

Govt and UN Reviews Proposed 2008 - 2012 Action Plan

Within the context of the United Nations Development Assistance Framework for the Pacific, the Solomon Islands Action Plan for 2008-2012 will be reviewed.

Govt Terminates Contract with SkyAirWorld Airline

The contract with the Australian airline company, SkyAirWorld, to operate the Sydney-Honiara route has been terminated.

Gov't Introduces New Financial Scheme

The government has announced another of its financial scheme that will ensure rural people have access to financial services for investment and development activities.

High-Level Review Meeting in Honiara

The United Nations System in the Pacific and the United Nations Development Programme are currently holding a two-day conference in Honiara.

Our Telekom Helps Kilu'ufi Hospital

Our Telekom donated the sum of SB$1000 to Kilu'ufi Hospital in support of their Beautification and Face Lifting programme for their 40th Anniversary.

GPPOL Registers Membership with SINUW

Guadalcanal Plains Palm Oil Ltd listed its membership with the Solomon Islands National Union of Workers.

SINUW Calls on Govt. to Ratify ILO Convention

The Solomon Islands National Union of Workers (SINUW) has called on the government to ratify some of the core principals of the International Labour Organizations Labor convention.

Success Depend on Willingness and Commitment: Principal

King George Sixth National School celebrated an important day in the school calendar, marking three school events: prize giving, graduation and school leaver's feast.

Stone Attacks Force Police Withdrawal

Honiara police were forced to withdraw from a situation in order to maintain peace last night when they were pelted with stones while trying to arrest a suspect.

Police Charge Men for Attempted Murder

Honiara City detectives have arrested and charged a 22 year old man in relation to a knife attack at one of the jetties at the Point Cruz wharves on Saturday afternoon (30 September 2007).

Honiara Roads Undergo 'Facelift'

Honiara is currently undergoing a new facelift with the construction of footpaths.

Agriculture Funds Ready to Roll

The Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock will soon release funds for successful applicants for "The Support to Rehabilitation of the Copra and Cocoa Industries".

"Defining Terrorism More Difficult than Deploring it"

Minister of Foreign Affairs, External Trade and Immigration, Hon. Patteson Oti, MP made the statement when addressing the 62nd Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.

Taiwan Releases Rural Development Fund

The Government of the Republic of China (Taiwan) has released the fourth tranche of the 2007 Constituency and Rural Development Projects fund.

Training for Disaster Instructors

An "Emergency Operation Centers Trainings for Instructors" workshop will help build participants in disaster management.