Latest News 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.

Conspiracy Charges Dropped by DPP

Director of the Public Prosecution, Ronald Bei Talasasa, has dropped conspiracy charges against members of Parliament, Nelson Ne'e, Charles Dausabea and Honiara businessman, Alex Bartlett.

PPF Commander Refutes Allegations

The RAMSI Participating Police Force Commander, Denis McDermott, has refuted allegations leveled against the PPF in the manner in which they handled the April riots.

National Soccer Team Beats Solympics

The Solomon Islands National Soccer Team beat a well spirited Solympics side 3-1 at the Lawson Tama Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

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.

PAP to Decide on Motion Today

The Peoples Alliance Party, PAP will today hold a meeting to decide on the upcoming motion of no confidence on the Prime Minister.

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.

SD Fund Closure Encourages Squatter Development

Failure by past Governments to allocate fund to the site development programme has encouraged the spread of squatter settlements currently experienced in Honiara.

Guadalcanal MPs Sticking with Government

Members of Parliament from Guadalcanal, currently in the current Sogavare led coalition, have brushed aside the ultimatum issued by Guadalcanal leaders during a forum held last week.

Poor Relations will Affect Airlines, says Huni'ehu

Opposition spokesman for Finance, Edward Huni'ehu, says that the current low in diplomatic relations with Australia will continue to have spill-over effects on the Solomon Airlines.

Oti on RAMSI and Government Policies

Foreign Affairs Minister, Patterson Oti, has reiterated the government's desire for RAMSI to co-operate with the government in the implementation of its policies and priorities.

Lilo Accuses Australia of Playing Dirty Politics

The Finance Minister, Gordon Darcy Lilo, is calling on Australia to play fair when it comes to the granting of landing rights to the National Carrier, Solomon Airlines.

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.

Men's National Basketball Team Names Final Line-Up

The Solomon Islands Men's National Basketball Team has named the final team for the upcoming Pacific Games in Samoa.

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.

Ohoto'ona on the Justification and Monitoring Committee

National Olympic Committee of Solomon Islands (NOCSI) General Secretary, Phillip Ohoto'ona, states that Justification and Monitoring Committee mechanism must be protected and enhanced.

Western Province Premier Condemns Moti Appointment

The Premier of the Western Province, Alex Lokopio, has said that his province is still disappointed over the appointment of Julian Moti as Attorney General.

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.

PM Sues a Leading Newspaper

Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare has released a press statement confirming that he has sued the Solomon Star for an article published in the daily paper's letters to the editor.

Kossa FC Drawn in Tough O-League Pool

Kossa has been pooled alongside Fiji champions Ba and Vanuatu' Tafea FC in the toughest pool in the O-League.

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.

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.

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.

SIFF Takes Over HFA Administration

Solomon Islands Football Federation (SIFF) has finally stepped in and took over the administration of the embattled Honiara Football Association (HFA) executive as of 18th July 2007.

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.

April Riots Enquiry Releases First Interim Report

The Chair of the Commission of enquiry into the April riots, Brian Brunton, announced the release of the first Interim Report yesterday.

Moti's Appointment may Trigger Aid Cutbacks

The Opposition Spokesman for Finance and Treasury and MP for East Are'are, Edward Huniehu, has warned the Sogavare government of likely repercussions to Julian Moti's appointment.

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.

Australian High Commission Office Denies Travel Ban

The Australian High Commission in Honiara denies reports of an imposed visa restriction on Solomon Islands Parliamentarians from traveling to or via Australia.

Australian High Commission Office Clarifies Letter

The Australian High Commission Office in Honiara has denied media reports of a second open letter supposedly sent to the media by Alexander Downer.

NOCSI to Finalize Pacific Games Contingent

The National Olympic Committee of Solomon Islands will officially pass their final decision on the number of athletes for the upcoming Pacific Games in Samoa.

Sogavare Condemns Downer's Open Letter

Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare has condemned the Australian Foreign Minister Alexander Downer for choosing to write a second open letter to the Solomon Islands public through the media.

We Support Rearmament, says Temotu Premier

While criticisms and protests mount against the government's plan to rearm the police, Temotu Provincial Premier, Johnson Levela, has openly supported government's rearmament plans.

Teachers to Consider Government's Offer

Teachers will meet to consider options given by the government in a recent meeting over the weekend.

Hewagama Yet to Challenge Sacking

Sacked legal draftsman, Ranjit Hewagama, is yet to give any instruction to his lawyer to challenge his termination in court.

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.

We Will Not Retaliate, says PM Sogavare

Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare has made it clear that he has no intentions of retaliating to Australia's decision to ban Ministers of his government to travel to Australia.

Dr Roughan Clarifies Parliament Meeting Postponement

The Prime Minister has postponed the Parliament meeting scheduled to start this Thursday. The meeting has now been rescheduled to start on the 7th of August.

Parliament Meeting Delayed

The Parliament session scheduled for this Thursday has been postponed by the government to ensure that the resumption of Parliament is made by the right authority.

ROMISI Music Festival Winds Up

Yesterday saw the end of the two week-long music festival being held at town ground.

Governor General Ill-Advised: Opposition

The Parliamentary Opposition says the Governor General has been ill-advised and thus belittling his status and that of the Government House.

Deputy Solicitor General Resigns in Protest

The Solomon Islands Deputy Solicitor General, Francis Waleanisia, has resigned in protest to government's unwavering push in installing Moti as Attorney General.

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.

Solomon Islands Beat PNG 2-1

The Solomon Islands defeated the visiting Papua New Guinea team 2 - 1 to the delight of the thousands of soccer fans present at the Lawson Tama Stadium.

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.

Appointment of Moti Disappointing: Dr Kabutaulaka

Solomon Islands academic, Dr Tarcisius Tara Kabutaulaka, stated that the government's decision to formally appoint Julian Moti as Attorney General is disappointing.

Government Suspends RIPEL's License

The business operation license of Russell Islands Plantations Estate Limited, RIPEL, has been suspended by Government.

Sogavare Defends Rearmament Plans

Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare has defended his plans to re-arm certain units within the Solomon Islands Police.

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.

Motion of No Confidence Moved Against Sogavare

A member of the Parliamentary Opposition has confirmed on the National Radio that the Opposition is planning to move a motion of no confidence against the PM.

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.

Opposition Group Condemns Moti Appointment

The opposition group has condemned the recent appointment of Australian lawyer, Julian Moti, as the new Attorney General.

Joe Porowai is now the new Ombudsman

The Country now has a new Ombudsman. Mr. Joe Porowai was selected and recommended for appointment as the Ombudsman on the advice of the Chairman of the Ombudsman Appointment Committee.

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.

PNG Defeats Kossa FC 2 - 1

The touring PNG team ensured their Coach's words were true when they defeated that Solomon Islands Club Champions Kossa by 2-1.

We Will Not Give Up: Civil Society

The Attorney General, Julian Moti, told civil society to stop wasting any more dollars on keeping him from doing what he is supposed to do.

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.

Guadalcanal Premier Speaks Out Against Government

Guadalcanal Provincial Premier has made it clear that he does not support the national government's appointment of various people and the planned re-armament of certain police sections.

Civil Society Holds Seminar Today Without PM

The planned civil society seminar will be held this morning but without the Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare, who has turned down the invitation.

Justice Will Prevail, Says Julian Moti

Newly appointed Attorney General of Solomon Islands, Julian Moti QC CSI, stated that those responsible for the ordeal he had gone through will be made known in due course.

Moti Officially Sworn in as Solomon Islands AG

The Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare has ended months of speculation today with the official swearing in of Julian Moti as the country's attorney general.

Moti's High Court Challenge Still with the Courts

The High Court Challenge by Julian Moti QC over the legality of his suspension by the Public Service Commission is still before the courts.

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.

Civil Society Alliance to Meet Tomorrow

The seminar organised by the Civil Society group for this Wednesday will go ahead as planned but the event depends on the response to the Group's invitation.

PM to Re-instate Moti as Attorney General Today

The Prime Minister's Office has confirmed that arrangements are being made to have Julian Moti sworn in as Attorney General despite the suspension imposed by the Public Service Commission.

Naka Receives Best Player Award

It was double glory for the Bilikiki beach soccer team, walking away with not only the cup but also the best player award.

Local Laws Must be Protected, says PM

Upholding the laws of Solomon Islands is a commitment by the government for the country, Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare said in his speech at the country's 29th independence anniversary.

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.

Bilikiki Soccer Boys Crowned Beach Champions AGAIN!

The Solomon Islands beach soccer team has beaten Vanuatu in the finals 5 - 3, earning them the right to represent Oceania in the upcoming 2007 World Beach Soccer Championship in Brazil.

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.

42 Months Jail Sentence for a Former PM

A former Prime Minister, who is also the former Premier of Guadalcanal Province, has been sentenced to three and a half years imprisonment.

Cabinet Not Consulted in Sacking, Sources Revealed

It has been revealed that the Prime Minister did not consult Cabinet over his decision to order the sacking of the country's legal draftsman, Ranjit Hewagama.

14 Year Old Smashes National Record

A 14 year old girl from Isabel Province earns a place for Samoa after her stunning performance in the recent Solomon Islands National Athletics Championship last month.

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.