Latest News Archive February 2010
Chilean Earthquake Prompts Tsunami Warning
The earthquake that shook the South American nation of Chile on Saturday caused a tsunami prompting a tsunami warning to be issued for 53 nations including countries in the region.
Government Asked to Switch Diplomats or Loose Programme
The Government is said to have given in to a demand that the Solomon Islands High Commissioner in Canberra be removed or lose the 10 bed patients referral program between Solomon Islands and the Saint Vincent Hospital in Sydney.
Kemakeza's Candidacy Was Illegal, Declares Courts
The High Court in the Solomon Islands has declared that the former Solomon Islands prime minister Sir Allan Kemakeza was ineligible to contest last year's Savo/Russell by-election.
Malaita Province Seeks Development Assistance from Israel
The Malaita provincial government is seeking help from the Israeli government to support the province's development plan.
Electoral Commission to Conduct Auki Awareness Day
The Solomon Islands Electoral Commission invites people in Malaita to its second public Information and Awareness Day this Saturday 27th February in Auki Town.
Japan and PIFS Work Out Process for Management of PEC Funds
The Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat (PIFS) and the Government of Japan are discussing a funding modality and management process for the implementation of the Pacific Environment Community (PEC) initiative endorsed by Forum Leaders and Japan at PALM5 held in Hokkaido last year.
PNA Leaders Conclude With Historic Declaration
The historical and the first Parties to the Nauru Agreement (PNA) Presidential Summit concluded yesterday with the adoption of the Koror Declaration.
Progress in Cairns Compact
PRESS RELEASE - 24th February 2010 - There has been steady and satisfactory progress recorded in the implementation of the Cairns Compact since it was endorsed by Pacific Islands Forum Leaders at their meeting in Cairns in August last year.
2009 People's Survey Report Released
The results of the third annual People's Survey, which documents the opinions of over 5000 Solomon Islanders on the living conditions and services throughout their country, were released yesterday.
New French Ambassador to Solomon Islands
A new French diplomat has been appointed as Ambassador to Solomon Islands.
Political Campaigning Should Not Begin: Electoral Commission
The Solomon Islands Electoral Commission has told intending candidates to refrain from political campaigning until the election date is declared.
Solomon Islander Gets Australian Bravery Award
Mr Alfred Boge, a security guard working at the Pacific Casino Hotel, was awarded a Governor-General's Commendation for Brave Conduct in the 2009 Australian Bravery Awards.
Central Province Wants to Re-establish Fishing Cannery
The Central Islands Provincial Assembly has passed a resolution for the provincial executive to find an investor to establish a fish cannery in the province by 2011.
MASI Denounces Ban on SIBC Journalist
The Media Association of Solomon Islands (MASI) today denounced an interdiction on a Radio Journalist from covering a farewell gathering hosted for the visiting New Zealand Foreign Affairs Minister last Thursday.
United Arab Emirates Allots Millions for Pacific
A delegation from the United Arab Emirates has launched a F$94.5million (US$50m) partnership program aimed at financing development projects in the region.
Telekom Says Sorry for Poor Service
Solomon Telekom Company Limited has apologized to the general public and Breeze Mobile customers for the unsatisfactory mobile service that had been experienced in recent months.
Government Seeks Korean Investor for Fisheries
The Government is well in advance into talks with a reputable Korean global fishing company to invest in a new cannery here.
Villagers Threaten to Boycott Elections
The people of North-East Guadalcanal say they plan to boycott the upcoming National Elections unless the road in their area is repaired or a new one built.
We Must Get More for Our Tuna: PM Sikua
The Prime Minister says Solomon Islands must receive maximum benefits from its tuna resources.
ADB to Issue Inaugural Water Bond
MANILA, PHILIPPINES - The Asian Development Bank (ADB) (rated Aaa/AAA) and Daiwa Securities Group announced today ADB's planned issuance of its inaugural Water Bond to finance its work in the water sector in Asia and the Pacific.
Ombudsman's Office Investigates State Owned Utilities
Ombudsman Joe Porowai calls on public service providers in Honiara not to fear the investigation being carried out by his office.
PM Sikua Heads to Brussels
Solomon Islands will be the first pacific country to visit the European Union after the December Climate Change Summit in Copenhagen, Denmark, last year.
Groundbreaking Held for Gizo Hospital
Construction of the new Japanese-funded Gizo hospital facility is ready to begin after a groundbreaking ceremony in the Western Provincial capital on Friday.
Review of Regional Waste Strategy Shows Good Results
Press Release - A four year regional waste management project funded by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) comes to an end in May this year, for which a terminal evaluation review was recently completed. The terminal evaluation report found that the purpose of the project has been significantly achieved.
National Team Trials End on Monday
The trials for the selection of the Senior National Team currently being held at the Solomon Islands Football Federation (SIFF) Academy grounds will end on Monday (22nd February 2010).
High Court Dismisses RIPEL Appeal
The High Court has dismissed the appeal of the Russell Islands Plantation Estates Limited, RIPEL, against the Solomon Islands National Union of Workers, SINUW.
Police Destroys WW2 Torpedo
The Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RISPF) EOD team successfully destroyed a WW2 naval torpedo early this week, discovered dangerously close to Veuru village on West Guadalcanal.
Sogavare Applying "Divide and Rule" Tactics: Fono
Deputy Prime Minister Fred Fono has accused the leader of Opposition and interim president of OUR Party of "applying divide and rule tactics."
ICT Project for Forum Countries
Press Statement - 18th February 2010 - The Pacific Island Forum Countries (PIFCs) are to benefit from an Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) project which is aimed at capacity building and ICT policies, regulations and legislative frameworks in the Pacific Island countries (ICB4PAC).
State Will Intervene to Broaden Economic Base: OUR Party
OUR Party has pledged to direct public investment in tourism, agriculture, and fisheries to support the efforts of the private sector under a reformed fiscal strategy.
Solomon Islands Included in Earthquake Study
Geologists from New Zealand based Geologists and Nuclear Sciences, GNS, will in the next six months visit Solomon Islands and five other Pacific countries to collect data in an earthquake study in the region.
Fono to Officiate Gizo Hospital Ground Breaking Ceremony
Deputy Prime Minister Fred Fono will officiate at the new Gizo hospital ground breaking ceremony tomorrow.
Asia-Pacific MDG Progress Under Threat from Global Economic Crisis
MANILA, PHILIPPINES - A joint report by the United Nations and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) warns that the global economic crisis could trap an additional 21 million people in the Asia-Pacific region in extreme poverty, living on less than $1.25 a day.
EU Provides Funding to Advance Human Rights and Democracy
The European Union has launched and allocated new funding to various Civil Society groups in Solomon Islands.
We Need a New Visionary Government: OUR Party
Interim President of the newly launched OUR Party says the country needs a new government that will be strategic in addressing its development problems at this year's national general elections.
New Zealand Foreign Minister Arrives Today
New Zealand Foreign Minister Murray McCully arrives in Honiara today for a two-day visit.
Temotu Strongly Endorses Integrity Bill
Leaders and People of Temotu Province have demanded members of the current parliament to pass the Political Parties (Registration and Administration) Bill and the Constitutional Amendment Bill without any form of obstruction.
Tonga and Cook Islands Recover in Aftermath of Cyclones
Cyclones struck Tongatapu in Tonga and Aitutaki in the Cook Islands with heavy winds and rain damaging vegetation, properties and public utilities.
Gross Injustice Committed to People of Western Province: Sogavare
Ownership, Unity and Responsibility Party or OUR Party has highlighted what it describes as "extreme examples of gross injustice to people in the Western Province."
TSI Makes Submission to PEC Calling for Restraint
Transparency Solomon Islands (TSI) provided a submission on the 2008 and 2009 Parliamentary Entitlements Regulations (PER) to the Parliamentary Entitlements Commission (PEC) on Tuesday last week followed by a verbal presentation on Friday.
USP Students Flight Deferred
Solomon Islands Government-Sponsored students studying at the University of the South Pacific (USP) in Suva are still in Honiara after their flights, planned for the weekend was delayed.
Land Tenure Report a Significant Find: Waiwori
The Commission of Inquiry into land dealings on Guadalcanal has acknowledged the significance of a 57 year old report on land tenure system in Solomon Islands.
Guadalcanal MPs Not Serious About Federalism: Babaua
Participants at a recent three day conference on Federal Constitution are unhappy with the absence of Guadalcanal's eight Parliamentarians.
Parliament Likely to Endorse another 17 Seats
The upcoming sitting of the National Parliament in March will most likely endorse a recommendation to have another 17 members of Parliament.
Solomon Islanders Help Hekari United Storm Past Tafea FC
Hekari United's bet on Solomon Islands players paid huge returns with the Papua New Guinea (PNG) champions upsetting Pool B leaders Tafea in their O-League match in Port Moresby on Saturday.
Young Man Found Dead at Panatina Oval
A young man, believed to be from Temotu Province, was found dead at the Panatina Sports Oval, East of Honiara, yesterday morning.
Marist FC Goes Down to Lautoka FC
Marist has suffered yet another defeat in the O-League competition going down to Lautoka by 3 - 0 in Fiji on Saturday afternoon.
Pacific Islands Forum Secretary General Draws Attention to Need for Action
Press Statement - 12 February 2010 - Secretary General of the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat, Tuiloma Neroni Slade, today highlighted the importance of action, partnership and coordination to support Pacific Communities combat the continuing effects of the recent Global Economic Crisis on the region.
Relief Funds for Earthquake Victims in Solomon Islands
The Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat has paid FJ$20,000.00 from the Regional Natural Disaster Relief Fund to the victims of a series of earthquakes which struck the Western Province of Solomon Islands on 4th January 2010.
New Sponsorship Arrangement for SICHE School of Education
The Ministry of Education and Human Resources Development (MEHRD) will be implementing its cost sharing scholarship arrangement with students receiving in-country awards at the SICHE School of Education and the USP (SI Campus) starting this year 2010.
!["All Pacific countries make extensive use of foreign aid ..." [Former CBSI Governor, Mr. Hughes]](https://d2t3awir4hhcxt.cloudfront.net/images/news/35d855c0-42a8-477d-ad08-24df2f5be771_big.pjpg)
Former Governor of Solomon Islands Central Bank Says Pacific "Hooked" on Aid
A United Nations conference that's attracted more than 200 government ministers and high level delegates from across the Pacific to Vanuatu this week has been told that the region is "hooked" on aid.
PIFS and UNDP Launch Security Sector Governance Report
[Honiara, Solomon Islands - 11 February 2010] Press Release - The Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat is pleased to be closely associated with the launch of a landmark first report on security sector governance in the Pacific.
Victorian Deputy Police Commissioner Visits Honiara
Victoria Police Deputy Commissioner Keiran Walshe concluded a four day visit to the Solomon Islands by taking part in the official inspection of RSIPF officers at Parade yesterday. It was followed up with a visit to Honiara City Police Station.
Oldest Political Party to Join Race
The oldest political party in Solomon Islands, the People's Alliance Party (PAP), will formally join the race to win government at the upcoming general elections when it launches its party manifesto at the end of this month.
Australia Gifts Medical Equipment to Kilu'ufi Hospital
Australian High Commissioner, HE Mr Frank Ingruber meet with Dr. Rajiv Gupta, Director, Kilu'ufi Hospital and Mr Walter Baekalia, Malaita Provincial Liaison Officer - Honiara yesterday and handed over a gift of medical equipment for the Kilu'ufi Hospital.
Fiji Government Misrepresents Human Rights Record to UN
Press Release - 10 February 2010 - The Fiji Government has misrepresented its human rights record in a report to the United Nations, Amnesty International said today.
Marist Releases List for Lautoka Clash
Marist Head Coach, Patrick Miniti, released the list of players who will be travelling to Fiji for their O-League return match with Fiji champions Lautoka.
!["...problem of disengaged youths and unemployment is not only ... in Solomon Islands but also throughout the world." [City Clerk, Wayne Hart]](https://d2t3awir4hhcxt.cloudfront.net/images/news/372ae5b0-a47a-4d43-802a-030ab82dfb91_big.pjpg)
Calls to Address Youth Unemployment
The public is once again putting pressure on responsible authorities to address escalating youth unemployment, said to be linked to rising crime rate in the capital.
USP Partners With 4 Other Universities
The University of the South Pacific (USP) has partnered with four other overseas universities to improve distance education.
Parliament Finalises Last Meet
The national parliament will resume for its last meeting 11th March 2010.
Big Drop in Malaria Cases for Temotu
Temotu Province has recorded a big drop in Malaria cases for 2009.
SIFF Goes Online
The Solomon Islands Football Federation (SIFF) has reestablished a presence on the Internet after some years without a dedicated website.
Slow Reform and Rehabilitation Amounts to Slow Copra Production
The government says little attention by stakeholders to the copra industry is resulting in the slow rate of reform and rehabilitation of the industry in Solomon Islands.
PM Sikua Expresses Deep Appreciation in Favour of Taiwan Funded Complex
Prime Minister Dr Derek Sikua today articulates his deepest appreciation for the Government of the Republic of China (Taiwan) for funding a new multi-million dollar Office Complex for members of parliament in Solomon Islands.
Conservation Association Wants Stop to Logging
The Kolombangara Island Biodiversity Conservation Association, is rallying support from around Kolombangara Island in the Western province, campaigning to end all logging operations on the Island.
Seeds of Ethnic Tension Remain: PM Sikua
The Prime Minister, Dr. Derek Sikua, has said that although the country had accomplished political stability, some seeds of the previous unrest are still there and they need to be eliminated.
New Police Barracks a Step Closer
New houses for Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) officers became a step closer today, following the announcement that tenders are now being sought for the construction of 84 new police houses.
Solomon Islander to Officiate in 2010 FIFA World Cup
Matthew Taro has made history by becoming the first Solomon Islander to be appointed to officiate in the FIFA World Cup finals.
PNG Paper Critical of Diplomat
A Papua New Guinea newspaper has published an editorial criticising the PNG High Commissioner to Solomon Islands, H.E Aiwa Olmi, for his handling of a traffic accident by his deputy, Peter Mirino.
Police Charge Fraudster
Police have charged a 28 year old man from Kiu village, West Are'are in Malaita province, for allegedly defrauding the Community Sector Programs Auki Road Maintenance account with one of the commercial banks.
Fiji Penalizes Prostitution
Fiji's new Crime Decree will be harsher on prostitution, penalizing not only those who make a living off prostitution but also those involved in prostitution-related activities.
Solomon Islands and Portugal Establishes Bilateral Cooperation
Solomon Islands and Portugal have recently established bilateral cooperation for development between the two countries.
DJ League to Restart Soon
The flagship football league of Solomon Islands, the Honiara Football Association (HFA) DJ League, is likely to restart on Tuesday February 16th February.
Police Arrest Two Persons In Relation to Prostitution
Police say they have arrested and charged two persons yesterday in relation to prostitution carried out in the country.
Alleged Misuse of Solomons Trusts Ruining Reputation
The Solomon Islands Bar Association has called for new laws on trust accounts.
Funds for Registration Officials Ready
Chief Electoral Officer, Mr Polycarp Haununu, today confirmed that government funds required for paying registration officials had reached the account of the Electoral Commission.
SIWA Clamps Down on Illegal Users
The Solomon Islands Water Authority, SIWA, has launched its operation to crack down on illegal users.
No Political Activities Public Officers, Government Warns
The Government has warned public officers against taking part in political activities.
Marist FC to Take On Hekari FC
Solomon Islands' club champions, Marist FC, will take on PNG's club champions, Hekari FC, in the OFC Champions League 2009/2010 season at Lawson Tama stadium in Honiara.
Students Claim Inconsistencies in Selection for Scholarship Awards
A total of 153 unplaced pre-service students are calling for explanations from the Ministry of Education over what they claim to be inconsistencies in the selection and awarding of scholarships for 2010.
OUR Party Launches on Guadalcanal
The newly established OUR Party will be launched in Guadalcanal Province this weekend.
Diplomat's Accident A Concern: TSI
Transparency Solomon Islands says the recent accident involving deputy PNG high commissioner and his wife is not a big issue to the anti-corruption body.
Police Seize Foreign Fishing Vessels
The Royal Solomon Islands Police Patrol Boat Auki has intercepted and seized two Foreign Long-Line Fishing vessels that were allegedly fishing without license in Solomon Islands' territorial waters on Saturday 30 January 2010.
ADB Launches New Staff Resources Strategy to Help Meet Development Goals
MANILA, PHILIPPINES - The Asian Development Bank (ADB) launched Our People Strategy today, a comprehensive human resources plan to recruit, retain, and develop the staff it needs to carry out its mission of reducing poverty and improving lives throughout Asia and the Pacific.
Statement from David Sheppard, Director of SPREP
Press Release - World Wetlands Day, on the second day of February each year, marks the day the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands was signed in the Iranian city of Ramsar in 1971.
Foreign Affairs Office Awaits Traffic Accident Report
Papua New Guinea's High Commissioner to Solomon Islands Aiwa Olmi says the accident early Saturday morning involving his Deputy High Commissioner and his wife would be looked at once a report comes to hand.
Anti-Money Laundering Commission to Meet Stakeholders
The Anti-Money Laundering Commission will be reviewing the Money Laundering and Proceed of Crime Amendment Bill with stakeholders starting tomorrow.
Constituency Boundaries Commission Hands in Report
The long awaited Constituency Boundaries Commission report has been handed to the Minister for Home Affairs, Hon. James Tora, on Friday.
Greenpeace Press Release on Copenhagen Accord
Copenhagen Accord recycles old climate commitments, leaving the world heading for catastrophic climate change