Economy Archive September 2008

WHO, Honiara, Provides Information on Melamine

The World Health Organisation (WHO) representative in Honiara, Dr. Jeffrey Hii has said that the use of the chemical melamine in baby formula in Mainland China is an issue of serious concern.

Health and Customs Working Together on Confiscated Goods

The Ministry of Health together with the Customs Office will be working together to tackle the imports of the White Rabbit Candies said to contain the industrial chemical, Melamine.

Rice Program Soon to be Implemented

Rice has become the main staple food for the people of Solomon Islands and with the increasing population; the import price for rice will be expected to exceed more than 200-million dollars.

White Rabbit Candy Ordered Off the Shelves in Honiara

Health authorities in Honiara are taking no chances, White Rabbit Candies, said to contain Sanlu milk and hence the possibility of being tainted with melamine, have been ordered off the shelves of shops in Honiara.

'PV' Put into Practise in West Honiara

The concept of teaching people to become viable assets to themselves by using their own resources including their skills has been put into practice in West Honiara.

KG VI Staff Demand Removal of Principal

King George VI teachers are still awaiting the Ministry of Education's decision on their submission to oust the current school Principal, Ms. Mary Hannah Kejoa.

PM Promises Free Education in 2009

The C-NURA government has promised to introduce free education by next year.

National Pharmacy Begins Week Long Conference

Twenty-eight pharmacy officers and senior pharmacy division staff are meeting in Honiara this week for a week long conference which aims to update their knowledge and address key concerns within the National Pharmacy Division.

SCA Takes HIV Awareness to Motels and Hotels

Save the Children Australia (SCA) in the Solomon Islands is expanding its HIV and AIDS awareness programs to hotels and motels operating in and around Honiara, in an effort to contain the spread of the HIV and AIDS virus believed to be spreading at a high rate in the country.

Sikua Calls for Recognition of Taiwan

Solomon Islands calls on the international community to recognize the Republic of China on Taiwan's good faith and build on the positive momentum achieved in the past months.

Rannonga Villagers Struggle for Daily Living

Rannonga in the Western Province, Solomon Islands are one of the hard hit areas during the April 2007 Tsunami.

Authorities Warn of Tainted Milk from China

The Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Health, Dr George Malefoasi and the Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Commerce, Mr. Jeffrey Wickham has advised the public against the infant formula, Sanlu.

UPNG to Have Open Campus in Honiara

Papua New Guinea will soon establish a UPNG open campus in Honiara, Solomon Islands.

PNG Government Supports SIG Students in PNG

About 145 Solomon Islands Government sponsored students studying at PNG based institutions are being assisted by the PNG Government.

Contract Signed for New Public Service Building Plan

Today at the Ministry of Public Service was the signing of a contract between the Ministry of Public Service and Ministry of Infrastructure together with the Kramer Construction Company.

Police Marks Blue Ribbon Day

This morning, the Solomon Islands Police Force, together with their RAMSI counterparts, organized an event to commerate the Blue Ribbon Day at the Police Memorial Park.

Building Business, Sustaining Growth

RAMSI Special Coordinator, Tim George, yesterday called on business leaders to work together with government and RAMSI to sustain the economic recovery of Solomon Islands.

SSEC to Send 200 Participants to Historic Event in Australia

Six Pastors from the SSEC Churches in East Kwara'ae Association in Malaita are sailing to Australia in a yacht to attend a historic evangelistic crusade in Bundaberg in Queensland in Australia.

Work on Domestic Terminal Halted

Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Communication and Aviation, Luma Darcy has revealed that the plan formulated last year to build a new domestic terminal at Henderson this year, is still uncertain due to lack of funding.

Our Telekom Breeze GSM Expansion Continues Nationwide

Our Telekom, a company majority owned by the people of Solomon Islands through the Solomon Islands National Provident Fund (NPF) remains committed to its ongoing IP-GSM based rural communication rollout for rural Solomon Islands this year.

East Rennell Communities Establish Disaster Committee

Residents of Niupani village in East Rennell have formed a disaster committee following a one-week workshop conducted by staff of the National Disaster Management Office mid July this year.

Peace Building Trip to the Weathercoast

The Former Chairman of the Solomon Islands National Peace Council, Mr. Paul Tovua, yesterday joined police and RAMSI officials to bring a message of peace to the Guadalcanal Weathercoast.

Officials discuss Solomon Islands-Australia Partnership for Development

Senior Australian Government officials met with Solomon Island Government Ministers and Permanent Secretaries this week to discuss the Solomon Islands-Australia Partnership for Development.

Police Commissioner Post, Police Ministry Responsibility: Public Service

The Ministry of Public Service has said that the responsibility to advertise the post of Commissioner of Police is with the Ministry of Police and National Security.

SISC Underway in Country

The Form Five Solomon Islands Secondary Certificate (SISC) entrance examinations are currently underway in the country.

Breeze Postpaid Customers Can Now Use Mobiles in Australia and PNG

Our Telekom has established international roaming agreements with Telstra and Optus - Australia in April 2008 and with Telikom PNG Limited in September 2008.

SI and PNG to be More Vigilant on Border Issues: Gukuna

A 2nd Joint Border Meeting between PNG and Solomon Islands began this morning at the Iron Bottom Sound Hotel.

Incident Over Weekend Brings Up Road Toll

A fatal accident on Saturday night resulted in a death of a young man believed to be from Malaita.

Pedestrians At It Again

Two weeks ago, the Solomon Islands Police carried out an operation on road education for the public.

3 More Arrested Over RAMSI Attack

Consultation between police and community leaders on the Weathercoast has lead to three men being charged with attempted murder.

RAMSI-Outstanding Example of Cooperative Regionalism: Dr.Korovavala

This morning, the Pacific Forum Secretariat representative Dr. Lesi Korovavala was given a chance to talk on RAMSI before the Parliamentary Foreign Relations Committee.

999 Line Abused by Public

Communication Unit within the Police Headquarters has stated that the Emergency 999 toll free line is often misused by the public.

Sex Crimes Not High: Marshall

Acting Police Commissioner, Peter Marshall stated in the Police Press Conference yesterday that the rate of sex crimes in the country is not on the increase.

More Rennell Communities Recieve Solar Lighting

Six more communities in East and Central Rennell this week received solar lighting.

Mobile Service Now in Taro, Choiseul Province

Our Telekom Breeze GSM Mobile rural expansion has now reached the Island of Taro Island in the Northwest tip of Choiseul Province.

Third Man Charged Over Murders During Ethnic Crisis

Police have charged a 25-year-old man in relation to the murders of four people and attempted murders of 15 others in a roadside ambush that occurred at Dereni in East Guadalcanal on the 3rd of September 2002.

Japanese Students in Country to Clean War Memorials

15 Japanese University Students are currently in the country to clean up Japanese war memorials around Guadalcanal.

Women's International Day to be Celebrated in Gizo

Women in the Western Province will be celebrating the Women's International Day at Gizo the Western Provincial capital next week.

Investigation into Attack of PPF Officer Continues

The investigation into the attempted murder of the New Zealand police officer is still under way at Weathercoast.

CBSI has New Governor

The Government has formally appointed Mr. Denton Hehenoro Rarawa as the new Governor of the Central Bank of Solomon Islands (CBSI).

Divorce Cases High in Solomons

Solomon Islands is among the many countries in the world with high rates of Divorce cases.

Sahu is New Bishop for Diocese of Malaita

The Archbishop of the Church of Melanesia Archbishop Sir Ellison Pogo has announced in a press statement the election of Reverend Canon Sam Sahu as the fifth Bishop of the Diocese of Malaita within the Church of Melanesia.

Sexual Exploitation in Isabel Link to Logging

It has been revealed that logging companies operating in the Isabel Province target unfortunate families, luring them with money in exchange for their daughters.

RAMSI Coordinator Congratulates PNG

Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands Special Coordinator, Tim George, has congratulated Papua New Guinea on the occasion of its Independence Day.

Youths to Represent SINUW in Regional Meet

The Solomon Islands National Union of Workers (SINUW) will be sending three youth representatives to Apia in Samoa, for a Regional workshop on Youth Policy and Labor Migration.

Agreement Strengthens Relationship: Hon. Magga

The Agricultural Technical Cooperation Agreement marks another milestone to the government and the people of Solomon Islands.

Japanese Vessels Detained

Two foreign fishing boats were held during the weekend and detained at the Point Cruz wharf for further questioning after being caught for illegally fishing in the Solomon waters.

Taiwan to Support Ministry of Agriculture

An Agriculture Technical Cooperation Agreement was signed today by HE Ambassador George Chan of Taiwan and the Acting Minister for Agriculture and Livestock, Hon Martin Magga.

Police Commissioner Post Yet to be Advertised

The Chairman of the Police and Prison Services Commission, Edmund Andresen, has said that he has not received any explanations from the Ministry of Public Service on why the post of Commissioner of Police, has not been advertised.

Memorial Service Held for Japanese Soldiers of WW2

Yesterday a memorial service was held at the Japanese Memorial at Mount Austin in remembrance of the Japanese soldiers who died in the country during WWII.

RAMSI Responds to Urgent Request by Ministry of Education

RAMSI's timely response to an urgent request by the Solomon Islands Ministry of Education enabled Avu Avu Provincial Secondary School students to commence their examinations this week.

PM Sikua Encourages Premiers

During the Premier's Conference in Lata, Temotu, the Solomon Islands Prime Minister, Dr Derek Sikua advised Provincial Premiers not to be overwhelmed by the challenges the country is facing.

Our Telekom Supports Pink Ribbon Fundraiser

Our Telekom has donated a cheque of SBD$6000 and five mobile phone handsets in support of the Pink Ribbon Day fundraiser to be held on Friday 17th October 2008.

San Isidro Care Centre Gets Fundraising Boost from ANZ

San Isidro Care Centre, Aruligo, a training centre for people with disabilities received much needed help this week with a $ 9718.25 donation from ANZ.

Solomon Students in USP Experience More Frustrations

It has been revealed that most of the Solomon Islands students studying in USP Fiji have been blocked from using their USP admin accounts.

RAMSI Reassures Weathercoast Community

Last week the Deputy Premier of Guadalcanal and a senior Solomon Islands Police Force officer joined a delegation of RAMSI officials to reassure people on the Weathercoast that they are here to work with the community for a peaceful Solomon Islands.

Solomon Government Receives New Solomon Islands Atlas

Solomon Islands now has a new modern mapping system.

'Operation Kurukuru 08'- Biggest in the Region

Solomon Islands is host to the biggest maritime surveillance in the Region called the 'Operation Kurukuru 2008'.

25 More to Leave for Cuba

Another 25 more students intending to study medicine will leave the country for Cuba at the end of the month.

Youth Award Launched

A National Youth Award initiative has recently been launched by the Deputy Prime Minister Fred Fono.

Commissioner Clarifies Arrest

Since the arrest of the elderly parents of Alphonseus Toghovotu, who is wanted for the attack on the RAMSI officer recently and a 1999 murder on the Weathercoast, there have been some disagreements regarding the arrest.

Police Officer Arrested in Avu Avu

A police officer, Mr. Bolitada Theodore, 46, was arrested at Avu Avu this week for Obstruction of Justice, as according to a section of the penal code.

Non-Economical Routes Soon to be Serviced

The Government's plan to subsidize shipping services to non economical routes will start at the end of September.

SICHE has New Teaching Service Commission Council

An Oath ceremony was held at the Government house this morning for the members of the newly established Solomon Islands College of Higher Education's (SICHE) 'Teaching Service Commission Council'.

Digicel Boss Visits Solomon Islands

The owner of the International Mobile company Digicel, Denis O'Brien, travelled to Honiara on his private jet yesterday and paid a courtesy call on the Prime Minister, Hon. Dr. Derek Sikua.

Public Service Embarks on Reform

The Ministry of Public Service is embarking on improving relations with stakeholders as part of its reform program.

No One is Above the Law

Police are reminding people that to live in peace they must work together to uphold the law.

Our Telekom Now Has Local CEO

Loyley Ngira from Marovo in the Western Province has made history by becoming the first Solomon Islander ever to become CEO of the country's premier and only Telecommunications Company.

Australian Defense Minister Meets Dr. Sikua

The Minister for Defence, the Hon. Joel Fitzgibbon, met with Solomon Islands Prime Minister, Hon. Dr. Derek Sikua and the Minister for National Security, Police and Correctional Services, the Hon. Samuel Manetoali, in Honiara today to discuss Australia's contribution to RAMSI.

First Ever Consultaion on Volcano Disaster Response Held

The National Disaster Council held a first ever Melanesian Volcanic Network Roundtable consultation Meeting at Honiara Hotel last Friday.

Teenager Charged with Infanticide

A 15-year-old female from Fulisango was arrested on Friday last week and charged with infanticide.

Huge Marijuana Bust by Police

The Tetere Police yesterday uprooted more than 1,500 marijuana plants at the Komukea Village in the Tasimboko area, North East Guadalcanal.

RAMSI Celebrates 5th Birthday

The Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands (RAMSI) along with the Solomon Islands National Parliament co-hosted a function at the Parliament premises last Saturday to commemorate the 5th anniversary of the partnership between RAMSI and the Solomon Islands Government.

Man Arrested for Murder in Gizo

On Thursday 4 September 2008, detectives from the Serious Crime Squad charged a 33-year-old man with murder for his alleged involvement in the killing of a 19-year-old man at Gizo, Western Province in June 2000.

Japanese Tells of Experience in Makira

Japanese volunteer Ms. Yukiko Kasuya has been in the Solomon Islands in the Makira Province for nearly a year now, under a Japanese volunteer (JOCV) two year contract.

Acute Respiratory Infections High in Solomon Islands

According to the latest estimated figures of the Ministry of Health, the Acute Respiratory Infections tops the list as the main disease Solomon Islanders are suffering more from.

Idea of Expatriate Police Commissioner Brings Disagreement

Senior members of the Solomon Islands Police are reported to be unhappy about the Government's decision to recruit a new expatriate Commissioner of Police.

Traffic Educational Operation Underway

A joint one week educational operation is currently held in Honiara by the Kukum Traffic police and the Community policing under the Solomon Islands Police Force.

Parents of Criminal Arrested

Yesterday, detectives from the Serious Crime Squad charged two adults from Baranabulaka Village in Avuavu with being an accessory to a crime after the fact and for conspiring to defeat justice.

Digicel is Coming to Town

With or without a licence, the international mobile phone company, Digicel, is going ahead with plans to set up a network of telecommunication towers throughout Solomon Islands.

25 More Likely for Cuba Scholarship

During the consultations between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade and the Heads of Missions last week, they discussed the possibility of increasing scholarships for Cuba.

Cervical Cancer High in Solomons

Cervical Cancer is currently one of the top killer diseases for women in the Solomon Islands.

Japanese Team in Country for WW2 Research

A Bones Mission Team from Japan arrived yesterday in the Solomon Islands, to follow up on information on the remains of Japanese soldiers who fought in the country during the WWII.

Heads of Missions Discuss Current Pressing Issues

The Heads of Missions Consultation meeting was held in Honiara at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade from the 3rd to 5th September 2008.

Women Holds Consultation for Draft Federal Constitution

Relevant Women's organizations last week held a two day consultations to look at the clauses of the Draft Federal Constitution that caters for the protection of Women's rights.

Police Release More Names for Outstanding Warrants

The following information has been provided to the media to assist in locating persons against whom a warrant has been issued for their arrest.

Archbishop Tutu Likely to Visit Solomons

World renowned figure, Archbishop Desmond Tutu looks likely to visit the Solomon Islands in the near future, for the launch of the Solomon Islands Truth and Reconciliation Commission.

Secondary Schools to Receive Computers

Fifteen schools have been earmarked to receive computers, as revealed by the Minister for Education, Hon. Job Tausinga in the recent Parliamentary Sitting.

Ghost Caller: Where has it Gone?

If you are one of our frequent readers, you may have wondered about getting more update regarding the 'Ghost Caller' article a few months back, which spooked quite a number of Solomon Islanders.

Logging Companies Owe Makira Province Millions

Logging companies operating in Makira and Ulawa Province owes the Province two million dollars in taxes.

Final NDMO Workshop Ends

A final workshop organized by the National Disaster Management Office (NDMO) to look into the National Disaster Council Act 1989 and National Disaster Plan 1987, ended yesterday.

Abnormal Weather Due to Global Warming?

The current weather abnormality experienced in Honiara at the moment was said to have been because of Global Warming.

Parts of Soltai Shares to be Sold

Tri-Marine, a European company would most likely be the new partner to the Soltai Fishing and Processing Company Limited.

Makira Hospital in Need of Assistance

The Makira Provincial Hospital is currently in need of greater assistance, as according to reports received by Solomon Times.

Meteorology to Obtain Weather Radar

The Meteorological Services Division in the Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Meteorology is currently planning to obtain a weather radar to properly monitor weather pattern.

Investigation into RAMSI attack continues

Detectives and specially trained Police Response Team officers have arrived in Avuavu to investigate the attack on a RAMSI police officer.

NZ Labour Scheme Open for Recruitment Agents

Solomon Islanders can now apply to become national agents to recruit local seasonal workers for the New Zealand seasonal labour scheme.

Malaita Men Still Missing at Sea

The two men who went missing at sea on Wednesday last week from Malaita Province are currently still at large.

Fairness on Public Bus Operators Needed

Public bus operators are calling for fairness from the public.

Regional Workshop Reveals Threat to Dolphins

A recent workshop of marine scientists in Samoa has concluded that the live capture for international trade of Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins from local waters threatens the survival of local dolphin populations.