Latest News Archive December 2007

5 Missing At Sea Found Safe in Vanuatu

In a press statement today, the Police Media Unit reported that it has received information that the five people who were thought to be missing at sea have been found safe and alive in Vanuatu.

Sogavare Accuses Government on Moti Deportation

The former Prime Minister, Manasseh Sogavare, has accused the new government of 'evading law and proper procedures' in the deportation of former Attorney-General, Julian Moti.

Moti to Face Rape Charge

Solomon Islands' former Attorney-General, Julian Moti, is behind bars in a Brisbane watch-house following his deportation to Australia to face a rape charge.

Moti Appeals Court Decision

The Central Magistrates Court in Honiara has placed an interim order in relation to the deportation of Australian lawyer, Julian Moti.

Moti To Be Extradited

In a last ditch attempt to remain in the Solomon Islands, the Attorney General, Julian Moti QC, has tried unsuccessfully to persuade the courts to stop his impending expulsion.

Attempts to Sell Government Vehicles Not Successful

An attempt by the former government to sell 15 government vehicles to former ministers has been halted.

Prime Minister Sikua Unveils Cabinet

Prime Minister, Dr. Derek Sikua, has named a new Cabinet.

Rumours of Warning Shot Not True: PPF Commander McDermott

Commander of RAMSI's Participating Police Force (PPF), Denis McDermott, assured the community that no warning shots were fired.

PPF Disappointed after Theft

Commander of RAMSI's Participating Police Force (PPF), Denis McDermott, said he was disappointed to hear that a PPF member had personal items stolen from a vehicle yesterday (Thursday).

New Government to Deport Attorney-General Moti

Solomon Islands' new Prime Minister, Dr. Derek Sikua, says that the controversial Attorney-General, Julian Moti, will be deported.

New Government to Ensure Parliament Authorises 2008 Expenditure

The newly appointed Prime Minister, Dr. Derek Sikua, says his government will ensure expenditure for 2008 is properly authorized by Parliament, through an appropriate resolution before 31st December 2007.

Prime Minister Sikua to Announce New Cabinet

Newly elected Prime Minister, Dr. Derek Sikua, will announce a new Cabinet line-up later today.

Police Happy with Security Operation

Acting Commissioner of Police, Walter Kola, says he is pleased to announce that security in Honiara was successful.

RAMSI Pledges to Work with New Government

RAMSI Special Coordinator, Tim George, today congratulated the Hon. Derek Sikua on his election as Prime Minister and pledged to work closely with the new government.

Sikua Government Values Relations with Regional Partners

The new government values Solomon Islands' relationship with Australia and the countries of the Pacific Islands Forum.

New Government to Improve on 'Bottom Up Approach'

The new government will support "a variety of policy initiatives" which includes improving on the "Bottom Up Approach".

Landslide Victory for Prime Minister Sikua

The Member of Parliament for Northeast Guadalcanal, Dr. Derek Sikua, beat his opponent, the outgoing Deputy Prime Minister, Patteson Oti, in a landslide victory of 32 votes to 15.

Heavy Security in Solomon Islands' Capital

Security amidst election for Solomon Islands' new Prime Minister was tight around Parliament and Honiara city.

Gizo Magistrates Fine Foreigners for Illegal Entry

Four foreigners have been fined more than four thousand dollars after being convicted and sentenced for illegally entering the Solomon Islands.

Papua New Guinea's Lae Port Receives $108.25M for Expansion

MANILA, PHILIPPINES - The Asian Development Bank (ADB) and its development partners are providing a financial assistance package totaling $108.25 million to expand Lae Port, the largest and most important port in Papua New Guinea.

New Prime Minister for Solomon Islands

Solomon Islands has a new Prime Minister.

New Prime Minister Should Put A Stop to Expensive Political Advisers

Transparency Solomon Islands has called on the country's new Prime Minister to make sure no more public funds are wasted on the appointment of questionable political advisors.

Solomon Islands Establish Diplomatic Relations with Switzerland

Solomon Islands and the Swiss Confederation [Switzerland] have established formal diplomatic relations after the signing of a joint communiqué between their representatives today in Canberra, Australia.

Nauru President Ousted in No-Confidence Vote

Nauru's president, Ludwig Scotty, has been removed in a no-confidence vote in the island nation's 18-seat parliament yesterday.

ADB Provides $2M Grant to Combat Land Degradation, Climate Change Woes

MANILA, PHILIPPINES - The Asian Development Bank (ADB) is providing a $2 million grant for the formulation, adoption and implementation of land degradation policies and strategies and to reduce the vulnerability to climate change of target developing member countries.

Solomons Opposition Claim Majority

Solomon Islands Opposition bench claims to have the majority and a standing chance in tomorrow's election for a new Prime Minister.

Honiara Program Highlights the Importance of Cleanliness

A series of activities to highlight the importance of the environment of Honiara was held last Saturday at the Honiara City Council square.

Public Transport Businesses Experience 'Dry December'

With Christmas just around the corner, one will expect that it is a period for "business boost".

Police Investigate Anthony Saru Building Burglary

Detectives from Central CID are interested in hearing from members of the public that may have information relating to a burglary that occurred on the second floor of the Anthony Saru Building last night.

No Need for Government Candidate: CEO Transparency Solomon Islands

With the upcoming election of the new Prime Minister tomorrow, the Chief Executive Officer of Transparency Solomon Islands, Mr. Joses Tuhanuku, said that there is no need for a candidate from the outgoing government side.

Chief Justice Calls on Dr. Sikua to Stop Misleading Nation

Chief Justice, Sir Albert Palmer, has written to the Opposition Group's candidate for Prime Minister, Dr Derek Sikua, urging him to refrain from misleading the nation about the appointment of the Attorney General, Julian Moti.

RAMSI Committed to Free and Fair Election of Prime Minister

RAMSI is committed to supporting the Solomon Islands police in their current efforts to ensure a free and fair environment for this week's election of a new prime minister.

Opposition Turns Down Challenge for Public Debate

A challenge for a public debate between the two candidates for the Prime Minister post has been turned down.

Education Authorities Called on to Sort Teachers' Payment of Sea Fares

Education authorities are called on to sort teachers' payment of sea fares for the end of the year breaks.

Solomons Delegation Return from Bali Conference

A Solomon Islands delegation attending the UN Climate Change Conference in Bali, Indonesia, arrived Sunday.

Taiwan and Solomon Islands Diplomatic Relations Intact

The ousting of Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare will not affect diplomatic relations between Taiwan and Solomon Islands.

Solomon Islands' New Government to Discuss Fate of Commissioner of Police

The issue of the position of the Commissioner of Police will be up for discussion when a new government is in place.

Maritime Centre Reminds Crews "Safety First"

Director of the Maritime Rescue and Coordination Centre, Jack Bana, in praising ship owners and their crews for their part in developing Solomon Islands, reminded them of putting safety first when travelling.

Government's Prime Minister Candidate Pledges Reconciliation as Priority

Solomon Islands' government candidate for the Prime Minister position, Patteson Oti, pledges reconciliation will be priority if elected for top post next week.

Caretaker Health Minister Revokes Commitment with Opposition

The caretaker Minister for Health and Medical Services, Clay Forau Soalaoi, revoked a commitment signed with the Opposition Group.

Expert says Riots in the Pacific and China's Involvement Just the Beginning

A Pacific expert is warning that riots in Tonga and the Solomon Islands targeting Chinese immigrants could flare up elsewhere, and that these riots are just the tip of the iceberg.

Five Our Telekom Student Apprentices Complete Training

Five of Our Telekom Student Apprentices have successfully completed their training and graduated with Technician Certificates from the Telikom Training College (TTC) in Lae, Papua New Guinea.

Police Arrest Man after Murder Investigation

Detectives of the Solomon Islands Police Force (SIPF) have arrested a Honiara man in his twenties in relation to the death of a man on Saturday night.

SolBrew Stage One Day Strike

The workers of SolBrew Company Ltd. went on strike this morning over the issue of non-payment of allowances, in particular the danger allowance contained in the Collective Agreement signed between the Solomon Islands National Union of Workers (SINUW) and the SolBrew Ltd (employer) on behalf of the workers.

New Director for Our Telekom

Solomon Islands' Our Telekom has a new director.

Local Law Students Graduate in Vanuatu

Eleven Solomon Islands students graduated at the University of the South Pacific Emalus Campus in Port Vila, Vanuatu.

'Christmas Carols in the Island' Attracts Hundreds

A 'Christmas Carols in the Island' programme attracted hundreds who gathered at the Lawson Tama stadium to enjoy a night of singing and dancing to Christmas notes.

Solomon Islands to Elect New Prime Minister

The two political groups' fight for reign continues as candidates for Thursday's Parliamentary votes for Prime Minister were named Saturday.

Quick Response from Police Results in Arrest of Two People

Police in Honiara are questioning two individuals after separate incidents on the weekend.

ADB Exploring Future Carbon Fund, Committed to Addressing Climate Change

MANILA, PHILIPPINES - The Asian Development Bank (ADB) is exploring ways to develop a future carbon fund beyond the 2012 period of the Kyoto Protocol, as part of its commitment to help its member countries and development partners address climate change issues.

UNICEF Solomon Islands to Host Youth Panel

The United Nations Children Fund (UNICEF) of the Solomon Islands has a new program for young people within the organization.

Khan Defends Trip Out in the Midst of Political Crisis

Solomon Islands Commissioner of Police, Jahir Khan, refutes claims of deserting his men in the midst of the country's political crisis.

Youths Help to Clean Up Honiara City

Different youth groups and public volunteers joined hands and teamed up to promote a Japan International Cooperation Agency sponsored programme based on the theme: Keep Honiara Clean, Think About the Future.

Under 23 Final Selection for Fiji Games

A panel of National Selectors was appointed by SIFF to carry out the work of identifying and selecting the most talented players to represent the country in the upcoming U23 Olympic Tournament to be held in Fiji, March/April 2008.

Prime Minister Pays Tribute to a Colleague Parliamentarian

Caretaker Prime Minister, Hon. Manasseh Sogavare, today announced the untimely death of the Minister for Culture and Tourism and MP for Lae-Mbaelelea, Hon. Samuel Bentley Ragosomani.

Sogavare Appeals for Calm Amidst Change of Government

Caretaker Prime Minister, Manasseh Sogavare, has appealed to the people of Solomon Islands to remain calm despite the passage in parliament of a no-confidence motion in his government yesterday.

Taiwan Health Minister Cancels Visit to Solomons

The Taiwan Health Minister has cancelled a proposed three days trip to Solomon Islands.

Former Minister Dies After Short Illness

The former Minister for Culture and Tourism, Hon. Samuel Bentley Ragosomani, has passed away after short illness.

Police Operation to Continue: Acting Commissoner of Police

Acting Commissioner of Police, Walter Kola, says police will continue operation in Honiara.

Solomon Islands to Elect New Prime Minister

The Prime Minister of Solomon Islands, Manasseh Sogavare, has lost office in a no-confidence motion.

Solomon Islands PM Defeated in No-Confidence Motion

The Sogavare-led government has been defeated in a no confidence motion ending weeks of what has been described as a political crisis.

Fiji Distances Itself from Moti

The Fiji Prime Minister's Office has distanced itself from rumors circulating that Solomon Islands' Attorney General, Julian Moti, sought sanctuary in Fiji.

Government Instructs Attorney-General to Appeal High Court's Ruling

The Government of Solomon Islands has instructed the nation's Attorney General, Julian Moti, to appeal High Court's ruling yesterday.

Public Demonstration of RAMSI Military Uncalled for: Solomons Government

The Government has expressed concern over the deployment of armed personnel for members of the Parliamentary Opposition, saying such a public demonstration of military muscle is uncalled for.

Dausabea Denies Claim of Payment to Riot

The Member of Parliament for East Honiara, Hon Charles Dausabea, has categorically denied police information that he has paid people to riot again.

Electronic Customs Forms Now in Place

Solomon Islands importers and exporters have begun using electronic Customs forms to speed up the time it takes to send goods in or out of the country.

Australia Supports North Malaita Christmas Games

The Australian High Commission's Office in Solomon Islands will support this year's North Malaita Christmas games.

Calls on U.S to Join Fight Against Climate Change

With Australia having ratified the Kyoto Protocol, the U.S is now the only industrialized nation outside of the Kyoto framework and the call from Bali is that the U.S needs to play a stronger role in addressing the issue.

Solomon Islands High Court Dismiss Government Case

The High Court of Solomon Islands has dismissed a case moved by the government to block Parliament from meeting tomorrow.

Solomon Islands Prepares for Political Showdown

The region is focusing its attention on Honiara as the Pacific island nation prepares to end a three-week political standoff between the Government of Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare and the parliamentary opposition.

Project Coordinator Urges Public to Support Sogavare-led Government

The Head Coordinator of the East Honiara Road Development Project, Mr. Martin Augustine, has made an appeal at the Z FM studios on Monday for the general public to support the Grand Coalition for Change Government.

Honiara City Council Embarks on 2008 Plan

The Honiara City Mayor, Alfred Maetia, and Honiara City Councilors held a meeting to discuss issues for the new year 2008.

Finance Minister Boyers Seeks Clarification on Allocation of Funding

Minister of Finance, Peter Boyers, accused sacked Finance Minister, Gordon Darcy Lilo, of failing to follow the right procedures in seeking cabinet approval for disbursement of funds towards the post-tsunami rehabilitation process.

Good News from Bali

Climate change talks in Bali yesterday yielded a victory for vulnerable nations when they won the key decision to be represented by the Kyoto Protocol's Adaptation Fund.

Teachers Once Again Wait for Payments

With Christmas coming up, teachers from the schools run by the City Council are flocking to the Council's education division for their holiday sea fares, with most having to wait.

Solomons Police Step Up on Security Measures

The Solomon Islands Police Force (SIPF) will be leading an operation for this week's Parliament meeting with support from their RAMSI Participating Police Force counterparts and military.

Solomons Government Claims Kidnap of Minister Koli

Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare accused the Opposition Group for the kidnapping of the recently resigned Minister for Communication, Aviation and Meteorology, Johnson Koli.

Governor General Rejects Government's New Date for Parliament Meet

Solomon Islands' Governor General, His Excellency Sir Nathaniel Waena, rejected government's proposed December 24th date for Parliament meeting.

Huge Influx in Capital City

With the Christmas fever taking its toll, Honiara is seeing a huge influx of people flooding into the capital city.

Government Minister Tenders Resignation

A government minister has today tendered his resignation from the Grand Coalition for Change Government to join the Opposition group.

Opposition has Majority to Form New Govt: Fono

Solomon Islands' Parliamentary Opposition maintains it has the majority to form a new government.

Government of Japan Assists Kirakira Water Supply

The provincial capital of Makira-Ulawa Province, Kirakira, held its official hand-over ceremony for the Water Supply Project last Friday.

Solomons Political Numbers Game Continues

With the continuous number game in the Solomon Islands political crisis, government and opposition appears to sit on a tie of 24-24.

Western Province to Build Monument for Tsunami Victims

Solomon Islands' Western Provincial Government is embarking on a plan to build a monument to the memory of the 52 people who died in the April 2nd tsunami and earthquake.

Solomons' High Court Continues Hearing of Govt. Case

Solomon Islands' High Court continued its hearing today of the government's case filed to stop parliament from meeting on December 13.

Wide Disparities in Living Standards in Asia-Pacific - New Study

MANILA, PHILIPPINES - Brunei, Singapore and Hong Kong, China, rank among the top five economies in developing Asia and the Pacific in terms of real per capita income, says a new study undertaken on purchasing power parities in the region.

Japan Supports School in Tsunami-Stricken Province

The Embassy of Japan in Solomon Islands and the Ministry of Education and Human Resources signed a grant contract for the rehabilitation of classroom buildings and staff houses for Sasamunga Primary and Community High School in Choiseul Province.

Grand Coalition to Establish State Government During Tenure

The Grand Coalition for Change Government (GCCG) is making the commitment to introduce the state government system during its term in office.

Solomon Islands Share Education Experience at Regional Meeting

The recent Forum Education Ministers Meeting in Auckland, New Zealand has significantly helped Solomon Islands to set the goals and objectives of its National Education Action Plan in perspective at the regional level.

Government Proposes Date for Parliament Meeting

Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare has announced that the next meeting of Parliament will convene Monday, 24th December, 2007.

High Court Adjourns Moti's Case

The High Court of Solomon Islands has decided that the ruling for the case of the Attorney General, Mr. Julian Moti for this morning be adjourned for next week.

Taiwan Donates Items to Burns Creek Community

Burns Creek Community in the eastern part of Honiara today received donations from the Embassy of the Republic of China (Taiwan).

Moti Files Suit in High Court on GG's Proclamation

The Attorney General, Mr. Julian Moti QC, has filed a suit in the High Court, challenging the constitutionality of the Governor General's proclamation last Friday, the 13th of December, as the next meeting of the National Parliament.

Government Hands Over Computers to Provincial Headquarters

The Ministry of Commerce, Employment and Tourism yesterday handed over computer sets to the nine provincial headquarters in Solomon Islands.

PM Assures Business Houses of Security Obligation

Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare reiterated to Honiara's business community that his Grand Coalition for Change Government will not undermine the security and safety of Solomon Islanders in its dealings with the Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands.

Govt. Seeks to End Telekom Monopoly

The government is looking at improving the legislation to support the introduction of competition in the telecommunication industry in the country as part of its ongoing reform in the industry sectors.

PM Wants Face-to-Face Dialogue to Resolve Strained Relationship

Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare is planning to invite his new Australian counterpart, Kevin Rudd, and his Parliamentary Secretary for the Pacific, Duncan Kerr, to Honiara for face-to-face dialogues to mend Honiara's strained relationship with Canberra.

Prominent Leaders Supportive of Sir Allan

Prominent leaders have voiced their support of Sir Allan Kemakeza for the outstanding service he has given to the nation, in light of criminal charges against him.

Honiara Magistrates Court Sentences Former Prime Minister

The Honiara Magistrates Court this morning sentenced former Prime Minister and MP for Savo-Russell islands, Sir Allan Kemakeza, to two months imprisonment.

Solomons Health Organisation to Organise Programs for Premiers and Church Leaders

The Solomon Island Planned Parenthood Association will embark on two major advocacy programs next year.