Economy Archive July 2007

Solomon Island Communities in PNG Donate Funds to NDC

Three communities in Papua New Guinea are the latest to donate funds to the National Disaster Management Office for post tsunami work in Western and Choiseul provinces.

Taiwan Donates SBD$800,000 towards Premiers Conference

Ambassador of Taiwan, His Excellency George Chan, yesterday presented a cheque worth SBD$800,000 to the Prime Minister, Hon Manasseh Sogavare, for the upcoming Premiers conference.

Taiwan Pours in more Medical Assistance

Taiwan Ambassador, His Excellency George Chan, handed over a supply of medical equipment and medicines worth SBD$800,000 to the National Referral Hospital yesterday morining.

Four People Arrested Over SBD$500,000 Fraud

Up to four people are now being questioned for cashing a government cheque worth SBD$500-thousand dollars at a bank in Honiara recently.

Economist Critical of Non Cash Benefit Tax

The proposed introduction of a non cash benefit tax has received a cold reception by an economist from within government.

Police Commissioner on His Appointment

The Solomon Islands Police Commissioner, Jahir Khan, has challenged those who oppose his appointment as the head of the Solomon Islands police force to take matter to court.

Khan to Improve Police Working Conditions

The Solomon Islands Police Commissioner, Jahir Khan, stated in a press conference last week that he will be looking into improving the condition of work of the police force.

Teachers to Resume Duty on Monday

SINTA is calling on its striking members to resume duty Monday next week following the signing of an Implementation Agreement between the Association and the Government.

No More Guns, says Police Commissioner Khan

The Police Commissioner Jahir Khan told a press conference yesterday that he has decided to shelve the planned rearmament programme of certain sections of the Solomon Islands Police Force.

Membership in the Constitutional Congress Named

The Constitutional Reform Unit in the Prime Minister's Office has released the names of people appointed for membership in the Constitutional Congress and the Elders Advisory Group.

Logging Companies Contribute to Rise in Commercial Sex

A recent finding by the Church of Melanesia's Christian Care Centre revealed that logging companies has contributed to the rise in commercial sex.

SBD$500,000 Stolen from Government Treasury

The Police are currently investigating those involved in stealing half-a-million dollars from the Government Treasury about two weeks ago.

Lilo Questions Role of FFA

The Minister of Finance, Gordon Darcy Lilo, has questioned the role of the Forum Fisheries Agency towards the economies of Island Countries.

Huni'ehu Critical of Planned Assistance to Teachers

The Opposition spokesman for Finance and Treasury, Edward Huni'ehu, says the Finance Minister's announcement of the Supplementary Appropriation Bill for teachers is only an excuse.

Fono Urges Government to Resolve Strike

Opposition Leader Fred Fono is calling on the government to resolve the teachers' two-week old strike.

Hou Heads New Solomon Airlines Board

The Chairman of the new Solomon Airlines Board is the Governor of the Central Bank, Rick Hou.

Telecommunication Needs Independent Regulator: Lilo

Finance Minister Gordon Darcy Lilo told local media that there is a need to set up an independent regulator by an Act of Parliament to regulate the telecommunications industry.

Regional Economic Integration Dominates FEMM meeting

The Finance Minister Gordon Darcy Lilo, in a press conference, informed the local media of the outcome of the Forum Economic Ministers Meeting (FEMM) held recently in Palau.

Teachers Strike Will Continue, says Hatimoana

Industrial Relations Officer of the National Teachers Association John Lee Hatimoana says that teachers have pledged to continue with their strike until government honors its past promises.

Finance Minister on Sacking of Former Airlines CEO

Minister for Finance and Treasury, Gordon Darcy Lilo, has revealed why he terminated the Solomon Airlines former Chief Executive Officer.

Lilo Reassures Teachers of Government's Commitment

Lilo has called upon teachers to return to work, assuring them of government's commitment to pay their claim which amounts to some seven-point-six million dollars.

Solomon Airlines Faces Possible Restructuring

The Finance and Treasury Minister, Gordon Darcy Lilo, has intervened into the affairs of the Solomon Airlines amidst its growing financial difficulties.

Opposition Blames Government for Airline Woes

Spokesman for the Opposition on Finance and Treasury, Edward Huni'ehu, stated that the government must be blamed for the current operational and financial problems facing Solomon Airlines.

Political Will Needed in Fight Against AIDS

A South African AIDS specialist has stated that the country's political leadership has a big role to play in the battle against HIV/AIDS.

Finance Minister to Present Three Bills in Parliament

The Department of Finance and Treasury has confirmed that the Minister, Gordon Darcy Lilo, will present three bills in the August Parliament meeting.

Government may Impose Tax on Non-Cash Benefits

The Minister of Finance, Hon Gordon Darcy Lilo, yesterday launched a discussion paper on the tax treatment of benefits supplied to employees.

Anga Queries Legality of Teachers Strike

The Ministry of Education is seeking legal clarification on the impending strike action by the Solomon Islands Teachers' Association, SINTA.

Teachers Salary Adjustment a High Priority: Anga

Adjustment of teachers' salaries is still government's priority, says Permanent Secretary for Education, Barnabas Anga.

RIPEL Plans Legal Action Against Government

Russell Islands Plantations Estate Limited, RIPEL, says it will challenge government in court for suspending its business license to operate.

PNG Company Interested in Soltai

It has been revealed that representatives of the Papua New Guinea Company, RD Cannery, were in the country last week holding discussions with senior government officers.

Strong Leadership Important for Economic Growth: Hou

Governor of the Central Bank of Solomon Islands, Rick Hou, stated in his key note address at the Forum Economic Ministers Meeting in Palau that leadership is crucial for economic growth.

Man Bashed to Death on Friday, 3 Arrested

The Police in Honiara have taken in three men for questioning in relation to the death of a man, believed to have been attacked at the Lawson Tama car park on Friday night.

Guadalcanal Landowners Suspend Talks on Gold Mining

Guadalcanal land owners have suspended discussions and negotiations with the Government and representatives of Gold Ridge Mining Limited over the re-opening of mining operations in the area.

Flooding Affect Communities in North Guadalcanal

Heavy flooding of the Mbalasuna River has affected communities within the vicinity, prompting calls to the National Disaster Council and Guadalcanal Provincial Government for assistance.

Solomon Islands not ready for Rearmament: RAMSI

The Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands, RAMSI, has made it clear that they will not support the proposed rearmament programme by the Police Commissioner.

Rural Man Questions Logging in Relation to B.U.A

A rural man has questioned the bottom up approach and how mass scale logging is working against this concept.

Government to Expand Services to Rural Areas

The national government has put together strategies to ensure that services reach the rural sectors of the country.

Bottom Up Approach Needs Landowners' Support: PM

The BUA policy needs the support of the people, Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare told the nation in his speech to mark the 29th independence anniversary celebrations in Auki.

We Face an Uncertain Future, says Dr. Brown

Speaking to the Australian Centre for Peace and Conflict Studies at the University of Queensland last month, Father Dr. Terry Brown stated that Solomon Islands face an uncertain future.

Independence Awards Given to Solomon Islanders

Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare awarded more than 100 people the country's independence awards for 2006 and 2007.

Further Rise Predicted for Foreign Reserves

The Central Bank of Solomon Islands has predicted that the country's foreign reserves will continue to rise in the next quarter.

Donors Assist in Renewable Energy Project

AusAid and the European Union will be jointly funding a renewable energy project through the Central Bank of Solomon Islands and partner banks.

Let Us Learn from the Past, says PM

In his speech to mark the Solomon Island's 29th Independence Anniversary, Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare has appealed to Solomon Islanders to learn from the past and move on.

Pacific Casino to Re-Open Soon

One of Honiara's busiest hotels will soon re-open for business on July 2007. This was revealed by one of the construction foreman at the hotel site.

One Month Trial Only for GSM Mobile Service to Auki

The GSM Mobile service to Auki provided by Our Telekom is only on a one month trial basis dispelling earlier reports that it was a permanent arrangement.

Call for Proper Public Toilet Facilities

The Honiara city council is being called on to provide proper toilet facilities for the public in Honiara .

Inadequate Land Laws Slow Work on Aluta

Inadequate land laws to record and acquire land for development have been the cause of delay to the development of oil palm in Aluta and East Fataleka lands.

Guadalcanal Man Concerned Over Choice of Contractor

While the Guadalcanal Provincial Government celebrates a milestone in the development of Doma, a fellow Guadalcanal man has expressed dissatisfaction over its choice contractor.

The Best Return Ever Recorded for NPF Members

The record breaking interest rates of 18 percent announced recently by the National Provident Fund will be expected to make a big difference in the members' balance for the financial year.

Government Assists Rural Farmers

The Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock has recently revealed that a funding scheme has been established to help rural farmers.

Teachers Extend Strike Notice

The Solomon Islands National Teachers Association, SINTA, has agreed to extend its strike notice from Thursday this week to the 13th July.

Youth Quake Festival Starts Today

More than 300 local artists and performers will have an opportunity to show case their talents and skills in the Youth-Quake festival which opens today in Honiara.

Hundreds Pour into Auki for Independence Celebrations

With two major events being staged in Auki, hundreds of people are pouring into the Malaita provincial capital from all parts of the country.

Ma'asina Forum Speaks Out Against NPF Plans

The Malaita Ma'asina Forum says the NPF Board and Management must consult with financial members before embarking on such investment initiative.

UNFPA Opens New Sub-Regional Office in Honiara

In its efforts to increase the effectiveness of the delivery of its programmes, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) has opened a new office in Honiara.

SINTA Threatens to Strike

SINTA will decide on the 12th of July whether or not they will take a nationwide strike against the government for failing to meet all conditions contained in an MOU signed last year.

Western Province Moves for Sole Ownership of Soltai

Talks of a possible sale of Soltai Fishing and Processing Company to a foreign group have been opposed by the Premier of Western Province.

Australia to Assist in Land Administration Project

Australia contributes about three million dollars to the Ministry of Lands, Housing and Survey as it helps the ministry complete the final stage of its land administration project.

Telekom to Extend Service to Rennell Bellona Province

Rennell-Bellona Province is among provinces earmarked for installation of telecommunication services, the project a first of its kind for the province.

Forum to Look at RAMSI - Review Recommendations

The recent review of the RAMSI operations in the Solomon Islands will be looked at by the forum to find possible mechanisms to enhance co-operation between all involved.

Regional NGO Opposes Police Re-armament

Calls for re-armament of the Solomon Islands Police Force is opposed, among others, by Pacific NGOs who have called on the new Police Commissioner Jahir Khan to end the attempts.