Latest News Archive August 2008

Isabel Province Threatens to Revoke Logging Licenses

According to Radio New Zealand International, the Government of Isabel Province has been threatening to cancel the business licenses of logging companies in Isabel, if their outstanding debts are not settled.

Loan and Subsidy Scheme Introduced

The Government and the country's three commercial banks have joined together in a loan and subsidy scheme to help promote development projects which would provide services and development in the rural areas.

Sikua Wants Open Door for Fiji Dialogue

Solomon Islands Prime Minister, Dr. Derek Sikua has said that he would want to see dialogue regarding the Fiji Situation to continue, but the final position of the Forum would be very much determined by what happens in the months ahead.

Our Telekom Explains Safety of 50m Tower

Our Telekom have received media protests by some Gizo residents who own undeveloped plots of land or who are in the process of building their residence near the Telekom communication tower at Jah Mountain, Gizo, Western Province.

50m Communication Tower to Bring Wider Coverage to Rural Areas

A 50 Meter communication tower is currently under construction at Jah Mountain, Gizo, Western province.

Truth and Reconciliation Commission to be Established

Solomon Islands have now borrowed the South African model to set up a Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) in a bid to address people's traumatic experiences during the five year ethnic conflict on Guadalcanal.

Greenpeace Launched Forests for Climate Tour in PNG

Greenpeace launched its Forests for Climate tour in Papua New Guinea this week with a colorful welcome of beating drums, singing and dancing.

Pacific Economic Regulation Workshops Conclude in Nadi

Delegates from across the region gathered this week to deliberate on key economic regulation, fiscal reform and financial sector issues in the Pacific.

Solomons to Join Australian Pilot Scheme on a Later Date

Prime Minister, Dr. Derek Sikua has revealed that Solomon Islands will take part in the Australian Pacific Seasonal Worker scheme at a much later date.

SIFF Receives $35000 for Dream Time Youth League.

The Dream Time Shipping Company has presented $35,000 to the SIFF for the Dream Time Youth League.

Bill to Prevent Politicians to Cross Floor will be Introduced

The 'Exploring Solutions to Political Instability and Governance in Solomon Islands-Potential for Reform' conference ended with great success on Tuesday.

Climate Change takes Centre Stage at Forum Meeting

Prime Minister, Dr. Derek Sikua, revealed in a Press Conference yesterday that 'Climate Change' took centre stage at the 39th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting in Niue.

Young Entrepreneurs Call on Government for Support

Young entrepreneurs called on the government to support their goals and potential as business people at the closing ceremony of the Young Entrepreneurs Retail Skills Training Workshop last night.

National Response Unit A New Initiative for Police

During the Police Press Conference yesterday, Superintendent Charles Akao, Director of National Response Unit (NRU) spoke on the roles and responsibilities of the NRU, a new initiative by the police.

Tornado Rips Through Muki Village, Are Are

The National Disaster Management Office has revealed that a Tornado ripped through Muki village, East Are Are on Malaita, leaving more than two hundred people homeless, yesterday morning.

Further Discussion for New Zealand Seasonal Work Scheme

A New Zealand delegation will travel to the Solomon Islands next month to further discuss issues relating to the Seasonal Work Scheme.

Avaiki Tattooist: Top of the Pacific

Solomon Islands flag was flown high during the Pacific Arts Festival recently in American Samoa with the unique cultural and traditional dances and displays.

New Snake Species Found in Fiji

A new snake species has been found in Fiji and according to a conservation organization, the species has not been found anywhere else in the world.

Papua New Guinea to Improve Power Supply

MANILA, PHILIPPINES - Papua New Guinea will draw up a detailed plan to improve power supply in the country where 90% of the population still has no electricity.

Police Uproot 140 Marijuana Plants

Detectives from the Central Police Drug Squad have charged a 50-year-old man and uprooted 140 Marijuana plants after an operation at Lunga on Tuesday, the 26 of August 2008.

Solomon Islands Marovo Lagoon- World's Largest Saltwater Lagoon

Compared to other Pacific countries, Solomon Islands have been rated by visitors as one of the best tourist destination in the region.

Man Arrested After Six Years on the Run

A man from the East Guadalcanal was arrested and charged with four counts of murder which happened in 2002 during the ethnic crisis.

Two Sites Identified for Fish Loin Factories

The Suava Harbour in Malaita Province and the Tenaru shoreline in the Guadalcanal Province, have now been identified as the sites to establish Fish Loin Factories.

RAMSI Officer to be Trialed in Honiara

According to Radio New Zealand, the Samoan RAMSI officer who was driving the vehicle that killed 26 year old Hilda Ilabae in June will now have his case heard in Solomon Islands.

Dolphin Protector Abducted and Beaten

On Tuesday, August 19th, at about 8:30 pm, City Councilor, Lawrence Makili, was abducted from his home in Honiara, Solomon Islands, by eight men in two cars.

NAPA Project Completes Workshop.

The National Adaptation Plan of Action (NAPA) project within the Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Meteorology completed a week long workshop yesterday.

Western Province to Retain Shares in Soltai

Western Province Premier Alex Lokopio revealed that his executive will ensure Western Province will continue to retain its 49 percent shares in the Soltai Fishing and Processing Company.

Tongan to Represent Region at WTO

Paulo Kautoke from Tonga will represent the Pacific as the new Pacific Trade Representative at the World Trade Organisation (WTO) in Geneva, Switzerland.

Shanel Likely to Loose Parliamentary Seat

The Member of Parliament for Central Guadalcanal, Hon. Peter Shanel is now serving a nine months jail sentence.

ADB Study Offers New Way to Measure Poverty in Asia

HONG KONG, CHINA - In a report released today, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) offers a new way to measure poverty in the Asia and Pacific region.

Forty Three Candidates Named

Forty three candidates will contest in the two constituency bye-elections on September 23.

'Live The Dream' Drives Dreamtime to Aid Kids' Soccer

'Live the Dream' possess a powerful message or vision of some sort that someone wants to achieve.

Futsal FIFA World Cup - Kurukuru's Biggest Showdown

The young lads of the Solomon Islands National Futsal team, Solomon Kurukuru, will fly right into the history books when they leave for the Futsal FIFA World Cup in Brazil on the 2nd of September.

Intergrated Crop, Soil and Pest Management Workshop Held

A four day training course on Integrated Crop, Soil and Pest Management was held at the Custom Garden Organic Farm.

Day Time Hot Spot - Children's Park

Children's Park- situated at Rove, is one of the leading hot spot for children, young people and adults alike in Honiara.

Solutions to Political Instability Lies in Working Together

The conference on 'Exploring Solutions to Political Instability and Governance in Solomon Islands-Potential for Reform', was the CNURA government's policy intentions to address the political instability in the country.

HCC Disappointed With NOCSI

The Honiara Town Council has expressed their disappointment over the National Olympic Committee of Solomon Islands (NOCSI) over missing items in the Multipurpose Hall.

Government Urged to Involve Local Farmers

With the recent opening of the World Vegetable Center Project office, many local farmers will be able to have the chance to learn skills at improving their products.

SICA Office Broken Into

Honiara City detectives are investigating an incident in which the Solomon Islands Christian Association office at Koloale ridge was broken into.

Politicians Must Have National Agenda: Nori

As the 'Explore the Solutions to Political Instability and Governance' conference draws to a close today, prominent Solomon Islanders have gathered once again to raise and discuss issues relating to political instability and the lack of good governance in Solomon Islands.

'Solution to Political Instability and Governance' Workshop Begins

A conference to 'Explore the Solutions to Political Instability and Governance' in the Solomon Islands began this morning at the Quality Inn.

Uncles to Take Up Hana This Afternoon

The Premiership match for the Honiara Football Association DJ League 2008 season will begin today.

Street Soccer: Solomons Favourite Pastime

Who needs a soccer pitch when you can take it to the streets? No it is not freestyle dancing but street soccer.

Rice Import Bill Exceeds Mark

The Solomon Islands Rice Import Bill will be expected to exceed the two-hundred million dollar mark by the end of 2008 - the highest ever.

Solomon Islanders Encouraged to Make Submissions to Facilitation Act Inquiry

Solomon Islanders are encouraged to make submissions to the inquiry into the Facilitation Act that allows the regional security force, RAMSI, to operate in the country.

Dreamtime Youth League to Begin on Saturday

The Dreamtime Youth Soccer league will commence in Honiara this Saturday after a formal opening on Thursday at the SIFF Academy.

Bonito Squad Named

Twenty strong men have been named for the Bonito Squad for the PNG Tour in September.

Gold Ridge Landowners to be Relocated for Mining

Two sites have been identified to relocate landowners and villagers of Gold Ridge where mining operations will take place.

National Museum Receives Kit to Preserve Artifacts

Yesterday, "The Intangible Cultural Heritage Field Trip Kit" from the National Museum in Australia was handed over to the Solomon Islands National Museum.

Prime Minister Sikua Receives Distinguished Award

According to the University of Waikato News, the Solomon Islands Prime Minister, Dr Derek Sikua has been presented his Distinguished Alumni Award from the University of Waikato, New Zealand.

ADB to Help Pacific Nations Find Ways to Deal with High Prices

MANILA, PHILIPPINES - The Asian Development Bank (ADB) is to help Pacific countries come up with ways of cushioning the impact of high prices on the poor.

Workshop Aims at Empowering Youths

The Young Entrepreneurs Retail Skills Training Workshop, officiated this morning was facilitated by senior executives and retail shop managers from The Body Shop in Australia.

Vegetable Project Office Launched

A Vegetable Project Office Centre was launched today at the Solomon Islands Development Trust (SIDT) office in China Town by the 'Asian Vegetable Research and Development Center' [AVRDC].

Rice Importation A Negative Impact

The importation of rice is responsible for draining the economy of its hard earned foreign currencies.

Young Entrepreneurs Retail Skills Training Begins

A Young Entrepreneurs Retail Skills Training workshop was officially opened this morning at the Commonwealth Youth Program area at Panatina.

Customary Land Tenure System an Obstacle to Development

The Customary Land Tenure System is again seen as a constraint to the Government's National Rice Programme.

Solo Idol Now Looks Forward to Finals

The Solomon Islands Solo Idol semifinals once again grabbed the attention of thousands of Honiara youths, who jam packed the Multipurpose Hall last night.

We Stand by Forum's Decision on Fiji: Sikua

In an interview with Radio New Zealand International, Prime Minister, Dr Derek Sikua, says the threat to suspend Suva from the Pacific Islands Forum is supported by all the Pacific countries, including those from Melanesia.

Youths Appreciate Gender Balance Workshop

A week long 'Gender Balance' workshop was held last week in Honiara where twelve youths participated in.

Four Arrested Following Marau Incident

In the Far East of Guadalcanal in Marau, a dispute occurred leaving two people injured and a logging company destructed.

Opportunities for Parliamentary Motions Often Wasted

The private member's motion to have been moved last Friday by the Member of Parliament for Temotu Nende, Hon. Patteson Oti, was withdrawn and instead will be tabled this Friday, the 29th.

Removal of Difficult Airline Passenger Training Conducted

The RAMSI Participating Police Force (PPF) advisors along with counterparts, the SIPF officers conducted a joint training on Friday.

Lack of Focus on Basic Education a Concern

An Opposition Member of Parliament has raised concerns over the Government's focus on tertiary education.

Forum Appealed Against Global Warming and Increasing Storms

Regional leaders at the 39th Forum Leaders Summit called for help against global warming, resulting in a planned formation of a climate change center.

Forum Leaders Honour the Late Greg Urwin

Pacific Islands Forum Leaders who met in Niue in the last two days for the 39th Forum have honoured the late Greg Urwin, the former Secretary General of the Forum Secretary who passed away on 9th August after several months of illness.

Guadalcanal Youth Forum to be Organized

The Provincial Government of Guadalcanal will be conducting a Guadalcanal Province Youth Policy Forum for youths.

Solomons to Have Youth Parliament

Solomon Islands will have their first National Youth Parliament in either March or April 2009.

Freestyle Dancing: The 'IN' thing

Freestyle dancing is still taking Solomon Islands youths by storm.

Logging Company Calls for Support

Logging company, Eagon Pacific Plantation Limited has appealed to both local and overseas investors operating in Solomon Islands to follow in its footsteps by engaging in manufacturing processes.

Good Number of Candidates to Contest in Bye-Elections

So far, eighteen people have submitted their nominations to the two Returning Officers for the bye-elections in Lau/Mbaelelea and East Honiara Constituencies.

Premier Irosaea Has Regained Support

The political row in Malaita is finally over, as according to the Malaita Premier, Richard Na'amo Irosaea.

Murder Case in Makira Still being Investigated

Police are still undergoing serious investigations on that of a woman found dead along a road track close to the Marapui village, Rawo District in Makira Province.

Solomon Host Trains Provincial Tourism Operators

The Solomon Host Tourism, Training and Promotions Company in Solomon Islands are currently conducting a four day workshop on Tourism and Hospitality Training for local operators in Tulagi, Central Province.

More Names for Oustanding Warrants to be Released

Acting Police Commissioner Peter Marshall, in a Press Conference yesterday, stated that a good number of people have responded to publicized names of outstanding arrest warrants.

A Bright New Concept for Solomon Islands National Museum

Solomon Islands cultural heritage will be protected, preserved and promoted, with a new innovative 'cultural field kit', developed in partnership between the Solomon Islands National Museum and the Australian Museum.

Police Minister Condemns Attack on Police Station

The Solomon Islands Minister for Police, National Security and Correctional Services, Hon. Samuel Manetoali, has spoken out against the recent arson attack on the Kakabona police station.

Vanuatu Police Foil Attempted Coup

There has been a report from Vanuatu that local police there managed to foil an attempted coup which would have destabilized the country's national security.

Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Retreat makes statement on Fiji

39th PACIFIC ISLANDS FORUM LEADERS RETREAT STATEMENT ON THE SITUATION IN FIJI, MATAVAI RESORT, NIUE, 20th AUGUST 2008

Police Urges Public to be Aware of Live Bombs

More than fifty years after World War II, the Solomon Islands Police Bomb Disposal Unit are still destroying live bombs.

Solomons Exclusion from Seasonal Labour Scheme Explained

Solomon Islands and other Pacific Islands except Kiribati, Tonga, Papua New Guinea, and Vanuatu were excluded from the three year Pilot Phase of the Australian Seasonal Labour Scheme.

Youth League to Commence on September 30

The SIFF Academy will come alive, Saturday next week when the youth league commences in Honiara.

$25m for Rice Development Approved

The Ministry of Agriculture submitted its Supplementary Budget, where all proposals were turned down except for the $25 million proposed to support local Rice development in the Solomon Islands.

Police Force Now Holds Weekly Parade

The Solomon Islands Police Force is now conducting a weekly Commissioner's parade, every Thursday.

Leaders to Appoint New Forum Secretary General

The race for the Secretary General of the Forum will be an interesting one.

Fiji's Non-attendance Means 'Way Forward' Decision Difficult

During the Forum Leaders' Retreat at the Matavai Resort, Alofi, Niue, a number of important issues were raised before the Leaders for their deliberation and decision.

Prime Minister Sikua Meets with Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd

Prime Minister Derek Sikua met with counterpart Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd prior to the Pacific Forum Leaders Meeting in Alofi, Niue.

Honiara City Filth a Concern

Honiara residents experienced a cleaner city when the Royal Duke and Duchess of Gloucester visited the capital.

Crack Down on Unpaid Public Transport Bills

A one month operation is ongoing in Honiara to crack down on unpaid business bills by public transport operators.

Japan Ensures Continuous Support to Solomon Islands

Yesterday in a 'Presentation of Credentials' visit to the Governor General's residence, Japanese Ambassador, Hajime Nishiyama expresses gratitude from the Japanese Emperor for the close relationship between the Solomon Islands and Japan.

New Zealand Will Formally Include Solomons in Seasonal Work Scheme

The official opening of the 39th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders meeting took place yesterday in Alofi, Niue. Prior to the meeting, the Solomon Islands Prime Minister, Dr. Derek Sikua had a number of bilateral meetings, two of which were with the Prime Ministers of New Zealand and Australia.

Australia, New Zealand, ADB, World Bank Join Forces to Improve Pacific Infrastructure

Prime Minister of Australia Kevin Rudd, New Zealand Prime Minister Helen Clark, Asian Development Bank President Haruhiko Kuroda and World Bank Group President Robert B. Zoellick yesterday launched a new Pacific Region Infrastructure Facility.

Dream Time Traders to Sponsor Junior Soccer League

Dream Time Traders, a shipping company operating locally has accepted Solomon Islands Football Federation's proposal for the company to sponsor the city's junior soccer league.

Governor General Speaks Highly of Relations with Japan

This morning, the visiting Japanese Ambassador based in Papua New Guinea, His Excellency Hajame Nishiyama presented his credentials to the Solomon Islands Governor General Sir Nathaniel Waena at the Government house.

Waisisi Development Reaches Next Stage

The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Lands, Mr. Henry Pika said planned development at Waisisi in West Are'are has reached the acquisition stage.

Sogavare Questions Legality of $100,000

The leader of the Opposition, Hon. Sogavare has questioned the legality of the $100,000 the Government has paid into each Parliamentary Member's RCDF accounts.

Public Questions License Issuing Authority Over Incident

Authorities issuing drivers' license have lately come under fire, after a female driver obviously suffering from a severe medical condition lost control and collided with an on coming vehicle on Monday afternoon.

Hon. Zama Raises Doubts Over Major Rural Developments

The Chairman of the Public Accounts Committee, Hon. Francis Zama has raised doubts over the progress of some of the major agricultural developments in the country.

Governor Rick Hou Farewelled

Last night, more than three hundred guests turned up to witness the farewelling of CBSI's longest serving Governor, Rick Hou.

More Resignation From Malaita Government

Two more Malaita Provincial Members have resigned from the Malaita Provincial Government.

Trade Disputes Panel Receive Training

Yesterday the office of the Trade Disputes Panel in conjunction with the Commissioner of Labor organized a workshop on the 'Rules and Procedures on the Trade Dispute Panel.'