Latest News Archive May 2010
88 articlesKoloale Reigns Supreme
Koloale Football Club of Honiara has beaten Solomon Warriors, also of Honiara, 2-1 to win the Our Telekom National Club Championship.
Lawyer Sent to Jail
A Honiara lawyer will serve considerable time in prison after he was found guilty of conversion charges.
PM Apologizes to GG
Prime Minister Dr Derek Sikua has apologized to the Governor General for announcing the general election date ahead of the Governor's official proclamation.
No Climate Pact This Year: de Boer
Press Release - 28 May 2010 Bonn, Germany - A global, comprehensive and legally-binding agreement on climate change that was expected to have been finalised in Copenhagen in December last year is unlikely to be delivered at the next climate change conference as well.
Maritime Training Concluded Yesterday
Over three days this week, the RSIPF Maritime Unit has undertaken law enforcement training at RSIPV AOLA.
EU on Increased Grant to Solomon Islands
The European Union says Solomon Islands' qualification for extra funding of almost $160 million dollars reflects EU's increasing trust in its commitment to essential reforms.
SINUW Supports Anti-Sexual Harassment Policies
Head of the National Union of Workers, SINUW, wants private companies and employers to ensure they have anti-sexual harassment policies in their workplaces.
Election Date Invalid: Government House
Government House says the power to announce the date for the next general election rests with the Governor General and no one else under section 24 of the National Parliament electoral Provisions Act.
Tussle for a Legally Binding Deal on Climate Change will Continue in Bonn
Press Release - By Makereta Komai, Climate Pasifika and Editor of PACNEWS - If the United States position will again shape the outcome of the two weeks global climate change negotiations in Bonn, Germany next week, then expect a 'tough ride' ahead towards Cancun in December.
Koloale Oust Marist in Thriller
Koloale pulled off a brave come back in the second half of their quarter final match against Marist to win it by 3 - 1 after trailing by one goal at half time.
Rendova Devon Beats Makuru in Biggest Upset
The 2010 edition of the Our Telekom National Club Championship continues to come up with surprises and the biggest surprise of all was saved for the quarter finals.
Trade Union Called on to Provide Documents
The country's leading private sector union the National Union of Workers, SINUW, has been requested to produce documents to help the office of Registrar of Trade Unions deliberate on an application by the Russell Islands Plantations Estate Limited, RIPEL, for the cancellation or suspension of the union.
PM Unofficially Announces Election Date
Solomon Islands will go to the polls on August the fourth.
Pacific Lessons to Learn from Deepwater Horizon Event
Press Release - 5,000 barrels estimated at over 800,000 litres (at the time of this article) of oil are being discharged daily into the Gulf of Mexico, washing ashore along the Gulf Coast in the United States lapping at the Louisiana shoreline.
Our Telekom National Club Championships Reaches Quarter Finals
The quarter finals of the Our Telekom National Club Championship will be held today. Only 8 of the 14 teams that registered now remain in the competition and after the quarter finals the top clubs in Solomon Islands will advance to the semi finals.
Minister Haomae Signs MOU on Judicial Assistance
The Solomon Islands Minister of Foreign Affairs and External Trade, William Haomae and Papua New Guinea's Minister of Justice Ano Pala have signed a Memorandum of Understanding on PNG's Judicial Assistance to Solomon Islands.
PM Sikua Hails PNG Investments in Solomon Islands
Prime Minister Dr Derek Sikua has praised Papua New Guinea Investors for injecting millions of dollars into the Solomon Islands economy over the last seven years.
TRC Urges Victims to Come Forward
A Truth and Reconciliation Commission Counselor says counseling is an important part of the healing process for victims of the recent ethnic tension.
New Funds for Road Improvements
The Asian Development Bank's Board of Directors have approved the administration of two additional cofinancing grants from the Australian and New Zealand Governments to help restore essential transport links between Honiara and West Guadalcanal.
Makuru Downs Gizo in Controversial Match
Spectators and match officials alike were left confused as doubt surrounded whether Makuru will turn up for their match with Gizo United scheduled for 4:00pm last Saturday.
Marist Escapes SIPA Attack
Marist narrowly won their match against a strong Sipa side of RenBel, that mounted an offensive almost equal to their opponent's.
Rendova Devon Frustrates Koloale with 5-3-2 Formation
Last Saturday, the Rendova Devon pulled off a magical effort to share points with Koloale in the Our Telekom National Club Championship Group B match played at Lawson Tama.
Database to Improve Women's Leadership Opportunities
Providing greater opportunities for women to be representatives on public boards, councils and commissions in Solomon Islands is the key driver behind a new database of women's resumés, launched in Honiara today.
Solomon Airlines Announces Intent to Operate PNG Route
Solomon Airlines confirmed today that it is actively seeking to commence operating the Honiara to Port Moresby route in July subject to Government approvals and its application to PNG CAA for a Foreign Air Operators Certificate (FAOC).
Constitutional Reform Programme Delayed
Three provinces and Honiara City are yet complete the feedback phase of the Constitutional Reform Programme.
Successful Strategic Plan Consultative Meeting Held in Guam
Press Release - Ten representatives from Member countries and territories of the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP) met in Tumon Bay, Guam, on 17-18 May, to discuss Pacific environmental priorities for the next five years.
Former Samoan RAMSI Officer Jailed
The High Court has sentenced a former Samoan RAMSI officer to serve three and a half years in jail for the death of a young woman in 2008.
Former Samoan RAMSI Officer Faces Sentencing Today
The High Court will pass judgment today on a former Samoan RAMSI Officer responsible for the death of a young woman at Tasahe area in 2008.
Prostitution is Here to Stay: Commissioner Marshall
Prostitution is here to stay, says Police Commissioner Peter Marshall.
New Recipe Book Showcases Tastes of the Pacific
A newly-launched recipe book will showcase the tastes of the region and also 'potentially bring value to Pacific farmers'.
Japan and PIFS Agree on Procedures for PEC Fund Projects
JOINT PRESS RELEASE - Forum island governments, non government organisations and other community groups within the region will soon be able to access the US$66 million (6.8 billion Yen) Pacific Environment Community (PEC) Fund following the approval of the procedures for projects to be funded under the initiative.
RIPEL Wants SINUW Deregistered
The Russell Islands Plantations Estate Limited, RIPEL, has filed an application, calling on the Registrar of Trade Unions to suspend or terminate the Solomon Islands National Union of Workers, SINUW from its register.
Man Arrested for Possession of Live Ammunitions
Auki Police have arrested and charged a 41 year old man caught with live ammunitions rounds in his residence at Durukou village, West Kwaraea in Malaita Province.
Local Prostitution Racket Exposed
Following recent exposure on local television One News, a group of young girls residing at the Botanical Gardens in Honiara have disbanded and relocated - some to an empty land area located on a stony hill next to the Gardens.
Sikua to Officially Open SI Chancery in Moresby
Prime Minister Derek Sikua will officially open Solomon Islands High commission Chancery building in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea on Friday.
AG Office to Audit Provincial Government Accounts
The Auditor General's Office is currently undertaking interim audits of all Provincial Governments.
Auditors-General from Kiribati, Nauru and Tuvalu Share Experiences
PRESS STATEMENT - Tuesday, May 18, 2010 - Public auditing standards in three Smaller Island States have been given a significant boost.
Deficit Widens: CBSI Governor
The Central Bank Governor says the bank's annual report for 2009 indicates a widening deficit in the country's balance of payment.
Tuvalu Ready to Trade under PICTA
Press Release - Tuvalu is the seventh Forum Island Country (FIC) party to the Pacific Island Countries Trade Agreement (PICTA) that has announced readiness to trade under PICTA terms and conditions.
Malaita Celebrates Israel's National Day
Malaita Premier Richard Irosaea has thanked the government of Israel for allowing its National Day to be celebrated in Auki.
Minister's urged to Return Vehicles
Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Infrastructure Development, John Ta'aru, has confirmed that former members of parliament are slowly returning government vehicles.
Vanuatu Pledges Ongoing Support to RAMSI
Vanuatu's Foreign Minister, Joe Natuman, has pledged his country's ongoing support to the Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands (RAMSI).
Malaria Cases said to be Declining
The number of Malaria cases per year in Solomon Islands has dropped - according to the Director of Vector-borne disease control program, Albinio Bobogari.
Solomon's going Hydro Thanks to Tribal Groups
The tribal communities of Bahomea, Malango, Ghaobata and Vulolo in Central Guadalcanal have been congratulated for allowing the use of their renewable energy resources for the greater benefit of Solomon Islands.
Fiji Discusses its Human Trafficking Problem
Fiji discussed the existence of human trafficking in the country and steps to take to address the issue in a recent workshop.
Support for Introducing Reserved Seats into Tuvalu Parliament
PRESS RELEASE - Funafuti, Tuvalu, 13 May 2010 - Tuvalu should consider developing legislation to introduce two new seats in the national parliament which shall be reserved for women.
Governor Urges People to Make Right Choice
The Solomon Islands Governor of the Central Bank of Solomon Islands, Denton Rarawa, has said that the country needs and deserves leaders of integrity, courage and vision.
Investment Bank Assists Solomon Islands
European Investment Bank has agreed to provide technical assistance for renewable energy development to the Solomon Islands government.
Local and International Players to Clash for Charity
The Charity Match planned for this weekend at Lawson Tama will be an opportunity for people to witness the best players in Solomon Islands go head to head while contributing to a worthy cause.
Our Telekom Championship Soon to Begin
A total of fourteen (14) teams are being registered for the Solomon Islands Our Telekom National Club Championship which kicks off Monday 17th May, 2010.
Save the Children Assists South Choiseul
For the past three years women and children in South Choiseul, Solomon Islands, walk an hour everyday to fecth water for their families.
Attorney General Clarrifies Call for Revoking Ministers
The Solomon Islands Attorney General, Gabriel Suri says the C-NURA government has constitutional legitimacy to continue in office after parliament's dissolution regardless of financial concerns raised by the Peoples Power Action Party.
British Yachtsman Comes to the Rescue of Islanders
Inhabitants of Kanton Island, part of Kiribati, were assisted by a British yachtsman who anchored near the island and discovered that they had run out of supplies.
Malaita People to be Updated on Package
This Saturday, people of Malaita will be able to hear the update of the economic stimulus package being pursued by their provincial government.
ADB Promoting Women's Economic Empowerment
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) is promoting enhanced opportunities for women in the Solomon Islands economy by conducting a special information and training session on the use of the new, modernized Companies Act.
Pacific Peace Virtual Community Formed
Participants attending the regional workshop on peace building, of which Solomon Islands were a part of, have formed a virtual community to continue working together on local, national and regional peace building initiatives.
70th USP Council Meeting Hosted in Honiara
The Solomon Islands Government in the past two days hosted the 70th University of the South Pacific (USP) Council Meeting in Honiara.
Women Need Support to Overcome Barriers Entering Parliament
PRESS RELEASE - Funafuti, Tuvalu, 11 May, 2010 - Women in Tuvalu face a range of cultural barriers to participating in higher levels of decision making, but nonetheless, they have influence at the grassroots level.
'3G' Network Soon to Improve
Solomon Islands Our Telekom says that their mobile service should soon improve once work begins on the second and third phases of the new 3G network.
2010 Elections Expect Huge Voter Turn Out
The Solomon Islands Electoral Commission yesterday met to finalize a date for the general elections earmarked for either July or August.
Outgoing Parliamentarians Urged to Return Vehicles
A fourteen (14) day period issued to outgoing MPs to return government vehicles was due over the weekend and the Ministry of Infrastructure Development is seeking legal advice from the Attorney General's Chambers to retrieve the vehicles.
National Soccer Championship to Open
The opening ceremony of the Our Telekom National Club Championship will be held at Lawson Tama on Saturday.
Media Needs to Be Trained in Conflict Reporting: Singh
Pacific Islands media should undergo regular training on peace and conflict prevention, says an academic attending a Pacific regional workshop on peace building in Nadi, Fiji.
New Accident and Emmergency Ward Opens
Solomon Islands Minister for Health, the Hon. Clay Forau, opened the newly refurbished Accident and Emergency Department (A&E) during a ceremony on Friday 7th May at the National Referral Hospital (NRH).
Private Sector Represented in Peace Workshop
A private sector representative may not quite be the person one would expect to find at a peace building workshop.
Solomon Islands and Cyprus Establish Diplomatic Relations
Permanent Representative of Republic of Cyprus to the United Nations, Ambassador Minas Hadjimichael and the Permanent Representative of the Solomon Islands to the United Nations Mr Collin D. Beck signed, on 5 May, an agreement for the establishment of diplomatic relations between Cyprus and the Solomon Islands.
PNG and Indonesia Border Visited
A Solomon Islands Government Delegation left Solomon Islands for Papua New Guinea over the weekend on a study visit to the Papua New Guinea/Indonesian Border.
PIFS Responses to Criticism on Commitment to CSOs
Press Release - The Secretary General of the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat, Tuiloma Neroni Slade, has rejected comments reportedly made by Lopeti Senituli, Political Advisor and Press Secretary to the Prime Minister of Tonga, "as mischievous and uninformed".
Solomons Expands Relationship to UAE
The Solomon Islands has recently established diplomatic relations with the United Arab Emirates.
Forum Observer Mission to Bougainville Central Elections
PRESS RELEASE - An election observation team from the Pacific Islands Forum will travel to Bougainville for the upcoming General Election from 7-24 May 2010. This is the second time the Forum will observe the Bougainville election having sent a team to observe the first election in 2005.
Work on Banning Salt Fish Selling to Continue
The Solomon Islands police and the City Council says that the Wednesday's operation to stop the trade of salt fish at the Honiara main-market was not a failure as stated in the media.
Usa Urged Not to Mislead Public
An intending candidate for North West Guadalcanal constituency, Joseph Nielsen, has called on former MP Siriako Usa not to politicize the High Court Order of 29th April 2010 asking him to disclose how he expended constituency funds when he was MP for North West Guadalcanal.
Local Current Affairs TV Program wins RAMSI Media Encouragement Award
One Television's new current affairs program, Footprints, is this year's recipient of RAMSI's Media Encouragement Award.
New Malaita Magistrates' Court Officially Opens in Auki
Solomon Islands Chief Justice, Sir Albert Palmer opened, the new Malaita Magistrates' Court in Auki yesterday.
UNESCO Boss Visits Solomons
The Director General of the United Nation Educational Social and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), Ms Irina Bokova has arrived for a two day visit to Solomon Islands.
World Bank Approves US$3 Million in Additional Financing for Samoan Health Services
WASHINGTON, 4 May, 2010-The World Bank today approved an additional US$3 million in financing for the Samoa Health Sector Management Program (HSMP) Support Project.
Human Remains Found
Human remains were found yesterday by construction workers at the St. John's School compound in Honiara.
Fono Explains RCDF System
With the ever increasing criticisms stemming from the general public, the care-taker deputy prime minister Fred Fono released a statement explaining the distribution of the Rural Constituency Developments Funds, RCDF, from the Republic of China.
Broader Social Protection Will Spur More Inclusive Growth in Asia, Says ADB
TASHKENT, UZBEKISTAN - Expanding social protection programs in Asia and the Pacific will give poor and vulnerable people more opportunities to benefit from renewed growth in the region while boosting domestic consumption, building human capital, and helping to rebalance economies, a seminar audience heard today.
National Club Championships This Month
The Our Telekom National Club Championship will kick off later this month. This is the statement made by the Solomon Islands Football Federation (SIFF) Events and Competitions Manager, Daniel Fa'alimae.
Electoral Commission Urges Voters to Check List
Solomon Islanders who are eligible to vote in the coming national elections have until tomorrow to ensure that their names are on the voters' list.
Former MP Welcomes Court Order
The former member of Parliament for North-West Guadalcanal, Siriako Usa, says he welcomes the High Court's order for him to produce documents to show how he spent public funds meant for the constituency.
Greater Global Access for Pacific Island Businesses
PRESS RELEASE - Pohnpei, 30th April 2010 - Forum Trade Ministers have launched a major initiative to boost the ability of businesses in Forum islands countries to compete in global markets.
MASI Congratuates Island Sun for Launch of Website
The Media Association of Solomon Islands, MASI, has congratulated Island Sun newspaper on the launch of its new website.
PM Defends 11% Pay Rise
The Prime Minister has defended the government against criticisms in the media which were linked to the recent pay increases to members of Parliament in the 2010 Parliamentary Entitlements Regulation.
Court Orders MP to Disclose Use of Public Funds
The High Court has issued an order for the former member of Parliament for North-West Guadalcanal, Siriako Usa, to produce documents to show how he spent public funds meant for the constituency.
Hekari Creates History With O-League Win
In a moving tribute, Papua New Guinea club champions Hekari United have dedicated their historic 2010 O-League title win to all Pacific Island nations striving to reach the top in football.
Asia-Pacific Must Step Up Gender Equity, Says Panel on the Economic Empowerment of Women
TASHKENT, UZBEKISTAN - Asia and the Pacific must do more to improve the welfare and economic empowerment of women in order to unlock their full potential and to achieve the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), a panel discussion heard at the Asian Development Bank's (ADB) Annual Meeting here today.