Economy Archive January 2011

Solomon Islands Braces Itself for Yasi

Solomon Islands are bracing itself for a category 3 cyclone heading its way.

Solomon Gold Hails 'strong progress'

Solomon Gold says drilling at projects in the South Pacific and Queensland has yielded 'encouraging results'.

Police Investigate Illegal Fishing by Taiwanese Vessels

Police are continuing their investigation into the Taiwanese fishing vessels that were caught fishing in Solomon Islands' waters recently.

Constitutional Crises Looms?

The Parliamentary Opposition group has announced in a recent media conference that "it will defeat the budget if the Prime Minister does not call for an early parliament meeting or refuses to resign."

Preparations For Pacific Arts Festival Delayed

Solomon Islands are eight months behind in its preparations for the 2012 Pacific Arts Festival.

Lusibaea's Sentence Reduced to One Month

The Member of Parliament for North Malaita's two year nine month sentence imposed last year by the High Court has been reduced to one month one day, after being granted a 95 percent remission by the Minister for Police and National Security.

Rural Internet Connectivity Programme for Solomon Islands

The government has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Secretariat of the Pacific Community for the roll-out of a rural Internet connectivity system in the country.

Police Joint Operation Intercepted Unlicensed Asian Fishing Vessels

The Royal Solomon Islands Police Force Maritime Unit patrol boat Auki have intercepted and apprehended two Foreign Fishing Vessels that were suspected to carrying out illegal fishing activities in the territorial waters of Solomon Islands.

Four MPs Desert Government

Less than six months after taking office the Danny Philip led government is facing its first serious test.

Jailed Lawyer Released

Jailed lawyer, Charles Levo, has been released from prison following a recommendation by the recently established Parole Board.

Solomon Islands Going Hydro

Solomon Islands have turned to Fiji for assistance in the construction of a hydropower dam in Honiara.

Students Appalled at Reduced Scholarship

The National Training Unit (NTU) has announced that it can only fund 35 pre-service students for 2011.

Prime Minister Acknowledges Outgoing Ambassador

Solomon Islands Prime Minister, Danny Philip has acknowledged the tremendous support to the Solomon Islands by the outgoing Republic of China's Ambassador to Solomon Islands, George Chan.

Major Projects for Malaita Province Announced

The outgoing Republic of China's (ROC) Ambassador to Solomon Islands, George Chan has, last week, announced two major projects for the Malaita Province.

Government Warns Minerals Investors

The Ministry of Mines, Energy and Rural Electrification has warned "dormant mines and mineral investors in the Solomon Islands" to prove themselves worthy of investing in the country within the next 24 months or have their licenses cancelled.

PM Sends Condolence Message to Australian Counterpart

Prime Minister Danny Philip has sent a condolence message to the Prime Minister of Australia Julian Gillard, the Government and the people of Australia, especially the State of Queensland, for the loss of lives and properties caused by the flash floods in the State of Queensland.

Lilo Clarifies Payment to PNG Government

Minister for Finance and Treasury, Gordon Darcy Lilo, has clarified the $3 million dollar payment made to the PNG High Commission office in Honiara for the construction of its Chancery.

Solar Sets Must Reach Villagers: Minister

The Minister for Energy, Mines and Rural Electrification, Mark Kemakeza, cautions colleague parliamentarians who received solar sets today to ensure fair distribution of the equipment.

Opposition Seeks Explanation Over $3 Million Payment

The Opposition has called on the Danny Philip-led National Coalition for Reform and Advancement Government to explain a $3 Million dollar payment from the Solomon Islands Government to the Papua New Guinea High Commission in Honiara.

Buying Price for Virgin Coconut Oil Increases

Kokonut Pacific Solomon Islands, KPSI, has announced a 45% increase in the buying price for Virgin Coconut Oil.

Fangs in Court, Accused of Tax Evasion

A Chinese businessman in Honiara has denied that he failed to pay more than nine million dollars worth of tax to the government in Court last Friday.

Technical Glitch Caused Salary Chaos

Public servants were left in shock last Thursday after discovering that their salaries were either drastically deducted or reduced to zero.

TSI Deeply Concerned over Ministry's Handling of Beche-de-mer Case

Transparency Solomon Islands (TSI) says it is deeply concerned by recent allegations of illegal Beche-de-mer harvesting and trading by Haizhen Trading.

Giant Tuna Sold for USD$396,000

A giant bluefin tuna fetched a record USD$396,000, in Tokyo on Wednesday, in the first auction of the year at the world's largest wholesale fish market.

Current Weather Due to a Trough of Low Pressure

The current weather situation experienced by the country is due to a trough, a low pressure extending southeast from the Western Solomon Islands to a depression over the North Tasman Sea in Australia.

Government Should Discipline Investor: Chinese Association

The Solomon Islands Chinese Association says it does not want to be associated with an investor that tarnishes the name of the people of Solomon Islands, more particularly the Chinese Association.

Opposition Critical of Beche-de-mer Shipment

The Opposition has condemned the Cabinet's action regarding the beche-de-mer consignment recently confiscated by police and later sold overseas.