Economy Archive March 2008

Japan Awards Solomons Student with Scholarship

A Solomon Islander on Government of Japan scholarship will leave to study in Japan.

Stronger Economic Growth Forecast for Pacific

The economic performance of several Pacific countries is improving, but greater reforms are needed if they are to reach their full potential, according to Pacific Economic Survey 2008.

Premier Lokopio to Stop Export of Live Dolphins from Western Province

The International Marine Mammal Project of Earth Island Institute is thanking Mr. Alex Lokopio, Premier of the Western Province of the Solomon Islands, for rejecting the capture and export of live dolphins.

COM Helps Fight Against AIDS

The Church of Melanesia (COM) recently launched its HIV and AIDS policy and work programme. The COM also commissioned members, within its congregation, tasked with implementing the work programmes.

Rove Betel Nut Stalls up Again

The Rove betel nut stalls has been at the centre of continuous row between the vendors and the Honiara City Council. The betel nut stalls were recently shut down by the Honiara City Council stating that the stalls were erected illegally.

Solomons Tuna Stock Healthy: Fisheries Minister Leni

The Ministry of Fisheries hopes to collect 100-million dollars in government revenue for the first time this year.

Students Call on Government to Deal With Allowances

Government sponsored students at the University of the South Pacific Laucala Campus in Suva, Fiji are calling on the government to immediately deal with their allowances.

Effects of Global Warming in the Solomons

Minister for Environment, Conservation and Meteorology Gordon Darcy Lilo confirms that effects of global warming are now evident in Solomon Islands.

Freak Accident Kills Mocker

A freak accident in Honiara awes members of the public to have fear for God.

Community Broadcasting Going Strong in Isabel Province

While the capital city of the country, Honiara, boasts that it has three FM stations, eight communities on Isabel Province are quietly enjoying eight Community FM stations established around the Province since last year.

2008 Budget Prioritise the People: Rini

The 2008 Budget is framed on the clear policy directions stipulated in the Government's Policy Statement and the Translation and Implementation Framework.

Bus Fare Increase Unreasonable

The traveling public in Honiara is urging bus business owners to consider the recent rise in bus fare.

Three-door House for Safety Purpose

Local architecture in the Solomons is unique for its originality with each province presenting its own unique style of housing.

Enterprise Challenge Fund Launch in Solomons

The Enterprise Challenge Fund was officially launched at the Jina's Restaurant, Kukum Highway in the eastern part of Honiara.

Chiefly System in Small Malaita

The chiefly system plays a big part in the local culture of the Solomons, and it varies greatly in a country known for its cultural diversity.

Commerce Ministry to Conduct Survey on Goods Prices

The Ministry of Commerce, Industries and Employment will conduct a survey on businesses.

Police Arrest Masked Robber

Police have arrested a 21-year-old male believed to be responsible for the robbery of tourists travelling on a bus at the Jackson Ridge area on Sunday 9 March 2008.

Police Chief's Meet

This morning, Police Commissioner Mohammed Jahir Khan met with his counterpart from the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary, Commissioner Gari Baki, at Police Headquarters to discuss future training arrangements between the two countries.

Solomon Host Completes Successful Training

A new local initiative, Solomon Host, has successfully completed a week-long training in Honiara.

Rini Warns of Forest Revenue Decrease

Solomon Islands will start to see a decline of log export revenue as of next year.

Solomons Celebrate World Water Day

The Ministry of Health and Medical Services parade the city to mark "World Water Day" based on the theme: 'Sanitation for a cleaner and healthier Solomon Islands'.

Union Fiji Representative Visits Solomons

A regional representative of the Union based in Fiji has returned to the country after his four days visit to Solomon Islands.

Gov't Clamps Down on Tax and Duty Exemptions

The government hopes to reduce tax and duty exemptions by one third to raise $40 million dollars towards the 2008 Budget.

Heathens Among the Christians

Although Solomon Islands is said to be a Christian country, there are people who still live as "heathens".

New Zealand Waives Transit Visas Fee to Pacific Island Nations

Solomon Islanders wishing to transit through New Zealand for less than 24 hours will no longer be required to obtain a transit visa.

Rini Delivers 2008 Budget

The Minister of Finance, Mr. Snyder Rini this morning delivered the 2008 budget in its second reading.

Gov't to Raise Excise on Beer and Tobacco Products

The government is expected to grow the revenue base by raising excise on beer and tobacco products by 20 percent.

No Formal Complaint Received by Police

Police are yet to receive a formal complaint in relation to allegations that a member of the public was mistreated by officers last week at Aruligo Village.

Man Found Guilty of Selling Counterfeit Cigarettes

The three Chinese men charged with selling counterfeit cigarettes faced their verdict in Honiara.

Mets Service Mandate Ultimate Vision for Safety

The Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Meteorology celebrated the World Meteorological Day in Honiara based on the theme "Observing our planet for a better future".

Making Good Use of Soft Woods in Makira

The parego, or breadfruit tree as known in pijin, was chopped down to make way for a new house at Ganawe village near Kira Kira, the capital of Makira-Ulawa Province.

Beach Party for Easter Celebs

Honiara residents took time out for a beach party to mark the Easter occasion at Guadalcanal's Lela Beach.

North Malaita Welcomes Baptism of Former Militants

The baptism of a former Malaita Eagle Force (MEF) Commander has been described as "the greatest [Easter] gift for the people of North Malaita".

Video Targeting Domestic Violence Launched

A new video against domestic violence, co-produced by the Solomon Islands Police Force and RAMSI's Participating Police Force, was screened for the first time during a breakfast hosted by RAMSI and other local sponsors.

Our Telekom and Daltron Signs Agreement to Provide Internet Services

Solomon Telekom Company Ltd Our Telekom has now gone into a strategic partnership with Daltron (Solomon Islands) Limited in providing support for Internet customers initially in Honiara and then throughout the country in the future.

RAMSI Celebrates Solomon Islands Women

The women of Solomon Islands have a crucial role in shaping the country's future RAMSI Special Coordinator, Tim George said today.

Man Found Dead in a Taxi

Police are making enquiries into the circumstances surrounding the death of a man believed to be in his 50's.

ANZ Bank Donates Computer to Honiara Beautification Committee

The ANZ Bank in Honiara hands over a computer set to the Honiara Beautification Committee today.

The Traditional Comb of the Kwaio People

The Kwaio people represent one of the many cultural groups within Malaita Province. Like many other cultures, specific ornaments are still in existence representing a way of life in the past.

Australia Promotes Human Rights in Solomon Islands

The Australian High Commission is pleased to announce its support to the Social Welfare Division, Ministry of Health and Medical Services, to raise awareness of Human Rights in Solomon Islands logging communities.

Police Response Team Deployed to Burns Creek

The Police Response Team (PRT) was deployed to Burns Creek in the early hours of this morning after a group of men armed with bush knives and other weapons broke into the Bulacane factory and commenced a barrage of rock throwing.

Youth and Mental Health Issues on the Rise

A report highlighting major mental health related issues, affecting the youth of Solomon Islands, was launched recently by the Under Secretary of the Ministry of Health and Medical services, Mr. George Malefoasi.

Poor Drainage System Contributes to Flooding

Residents living close to drains and rivers are advised to take extra care during heavy down pour.

Turkey Appoints Sato as New Honorary Consular

The Minister of Foreign Affairs and External Trade, Hon William Haomae, on Friday accepted the credentials of Mr Yoshiuki Sato, Turkey's new Honorary Consular to the Solomon Islands.

MEHRD Pays Student Allowances

The Ministry of Education and Human Resources Development (MEHRD) paid one hundred and eighty-two University of the South Pacific (USP) students, at the Laucala campus, their allowance on Friday.

'Miracle Mineral Supplement' Launched by Church Group

Dubbed the 'Miracle Mineral Supplement' or MMS for short, this new supplement promises to kill malaria parasites within two hours, cure cancer, TB and many more of mankind's worse diseases.

Police Investigate Fatal Accident

The Police Traffic Centre is investigating the circumstances surrounding a motor vehicle accident which killed two people and left others seriously injured. The accident occurred at 2.00am on Saturday morning.

Police Charge Man With Seven Offences

Tetere Police have arrested and charged a 25-year-old man from Green Valley with seven offences after he entered two houses in the early hours of 15 March 2008.

Solomon Kitano Mendana Hotel To Launch New Look

The Solomon Kitano Mendana Hotel has undergone renovations since April 2007, the new look is expected to be completed by the end of March 2008.

Parliament To Build Office Complex For MPs

The Deputy Clerk of the National Parliament, Mrs. Florence Naezon, revealed during a hearing of the Public Accounts Committee that there are plans to build an office complex for Members of Parliament.

We Need To Do More For Our Women: Rimon

The representative for the Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC), Mrs. Mia Rimon, stated that more can be done for the women of Solomon Islands and the region.

West Honiara Residents Gets Support Through RCDF

Few lucky residents of the West Honiara Constituency received financial assistance through the West Honiara Development Program. A program funded through the Rural Constituency Development Fund (RCDF).

Sogavare Questions PM's Statement on Whaling

The Leader of Opposition, Hon. Manasseh Sogavare has questioned whether Prime Minister Dr Derek Sikua's rejection to attend the latest International Whaling Commission meeting reflected the decision of his cabinet on commercial whaling.

Two Arrested For Burglary

Detectives from Honiara City, with the support of Forensic Officers, are investigating the circumstances surrounding a burglary incident at a residence at Lengakiki around 3.00am today.

Minister Haomae Hails Japanese Assistance Towards Auki Projects

Minister for Foreign Affairs William Haomae and Japanese Charge'd Affairs Mr Akira Iwanade yesterday signed exchange notes in Honiara as a start towards the construction of a new Market center and a Jetty in the Malaita Provincial Capital, Auki.

Japan's New Charge d' Affairs Welcomed

The Embassy of Japan has appointed a new Charge d' Affairs, replacing Mr. Koichi Kodama. A welcome ceremony was held late last week to welcome Mr. Akira Iwanade, the new Charge d' Affairs of the Japanese Embassy.

The Traditional Drills of Marovo Lagoon

Before electrical drills that are now common in the Solomon Islands today, the stone drill has been widely used in the Western Province, an essential tool to create shell money.

Female Police - An Integral Part Of The Force

The Solomon Islands Police Force will be represented by female officers at tomorrow's International Women's Day parade.

Tourism Bureau GM Wants Domestic Air Service Improved

The General Manager of Solomon Islands Visitors Bureau, Michael Tokuru, wants reliable air services provided on the country's domestic routes.

Australian PM Congratulates all RAMSI Members

The Australian Prime Minister, Hon Kevin Rudd has congratulated all members of Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands (RAMSI) police, soldiers and civilians for their efforts in rebuilding Solomon Islands.

Solomon Islands Supports Proposal For Pacific Partnership

The Solomon Islands Prime Minister, Dr. Derek Sikua, has said that his government welcomes a proposal from the Australian government to pursue pacific partnership development agreement with Pacific Island nations.

PM Sikua Secures Fisheries Deal With Taiwan

Solomon Islands and Taiwan will soon engage in a fisheries trade deal secured during Prime Minister Dr Derek Sikua's recent visit to Taiwan.

Solomon Islands Commemorate Commonwealth Day

The commemoration of the 'Commonwealth Day' was held yesterday morning at the Commonwealth Youth Program Center.

Traditional Currency Revived

The long coil of Red Feather Money is a valuable and unique traditional artifact from the Santa Cruz Islands in Temotu Province.

Sofu to Sign Japanese Infrastructure Assistance to Gizo

Minister for Infrastructure Development Stanley Sofu and Japanese Charge'd Affairs Akira Iwanade will jointly sign documents to start a Japanese government funded project to rehabilitate wharves at Gizo, Western Province.

Australia Seeks to Host 2009 Forum Meet

Australia's Prime Minister, Kevin Rudd, during a press conference in Honiara, stated that Australia would seek to host the forum meeting in 2009, a move welcomed by both PNG and Solomon Islands.

Our Telekom Apprentice Off For Training

Three Solomon Telekom Graduate/Apprentice students left the country on Saturday 8th March 2008 to undertake training specific to Telecommunications.

Rudd Increase Aid Despite Cutbacks in Australia

Australia's Prime Minister, Kevin Rudd, has pledged to increase Aid to the Solomon Islands by at least AUD$14.5 Million, despite cutbacks in Australia.

Home Attacks Is Not on The Rise: Edmund Sikua

Acting Deputy Commissioner of Operations Edmund Sikua has assured the community that the rate of serious home invasions is not increasing and ex-patriots are not being specifically targeted.

World Top Surfers Visit Solomon Islands

Three of the World's top International surfers will be testing the Solomon Island waves from March 4th -11th , on an invitation from the Solomon Islands Visitors Bureau. American surfer, Benji Weatherley will be accompanied by Australian surfers, Josh Kerr and Dion Agius.

Child Rights Bill, Still on Hold

Ministry for Women, Youth and Children are working towards having a Child Rights Bill approved by the cabinet and the Parliament. A draft was made out in 2004 and is still yet in the working progress to be approved.

Cultural Wear in Choiseul Province

Choiseul Province like all Solomon Islands Province has its own unique way of cultural dressing.

Free Education Needed: Fono

He says the two former governments of Sir Allan Kemakeza and Manasseh Sogavare supported the free education policy for Solomon Islands.

Government To Develop Commercial Township At Suava Bay

The National Government is keen to develop Suava Bay in North Malaita into a commercial township.

Baelelea Fishermen Receives Joint-Government Funded Fishing Project

Fishermen in West Baelelea constituency in North Malaita will no longer travel long risky ocean distances to catch fish following a successful launching of a fishing project last Saturday at the coastal village of Akwe in the Folotana Bay.

National Parliament Meets on March 17th

The Prime Minister's Office has confirmed that the first meeting of the National Parliament for this year 2008 will be on March 17th.

RAMSI Hunts Down Dangerous Crocodiles

RAMSI's Participating Police Force (PPF) has dispatched a team to Buala, in the Isabel Province, in response to a request for assistance with the destruction of crocodiles.

Police to Enforce Family Violence Policy

The Community Policing Department of the Solomon Islands Police Force will enforce a family violence policy, which is divided into two chapters.

Traditional Tapa Valued in Tikopia

The Tapa cloth is a traditional clothing used by the people in Tikopia, a Polynesian outlier in the Solomon Islands.

Counterfeit Cigarettes Hit the Local Market

The Solomon Islands are now experiencing an influx in counterfeit cigarettes in the local shops. A ring of counterfeit suppliers were busted recently bringing some hope in curbing the problem.

UNICEF Pacific Head Office Holds Retreat in Honiara

The UNICEF Pacific Head Office in Suva held a retreat last month for UNICEF officers throughout the Pacific region.

Premier Irosaea Pushes for Development on Malaita

Malaita Premier Richard Irosaea Na'amo is encouraging landowners in the province to open up land for development projects.

SkyAirWorld Launches Low Cost Flights

The SkyAirWorld Airlines Company held their launching last night at the King Solomon Hotel.

Taneko Delivers New Boat to Constituency

The Shortland Islands Constituency are proud new owners of a new cargo boat, ideal for sea travel between Shortlands and Honiara.

Three Artists Leave for Pacific Arts Festival

The upcoming Pacific Arts Festival, to be held in New Zealand, will see three local artists representing the diverse cultures of the Solomon Islands. They are Riaz Haikiu, Jon Jay and Levi To'o.

Hilly Assures Malaita of Gov'ts Determination to Implement Bina Habour Project

Minister of Commerce, Industries and Employment Francis Billy Hilly has assured Malaita province and its people of the government's determination to build an international sea port at Bina Habour in the Province.