Latest News Archive June 2010
High Court Farewells Judge
The High Court has farewelled one of the country's expatriate Judges in a ceremonial sitting in Honiara.
Former Parliamentarian Sentenced
The High Court has sentenced a former member of Parliament, John Kaliuae Maetia to three and a half years imprisonment for Official Corruption.
Maritime Sector to Reform
The Minister of Infrastructure Development, the Honourable Stanley Sofu, has announced a major step in the reform of the maritime sector of Solomon Islands.
Seasonal Work Strengthens Government Ties
Solomon Islanders continue to benefit from New Zealand's Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) Scheme, which began in 2007, thanks to the ongoing interest of New Zealand employers who recruit our workers.
BeMobile Fined for Failing to Comply
The Solomon Island's new phone company, Be-Mobile, has been fined USD$1.5m (SBD$12m) for failing to launch its network on time.
SPREP Commends Va'a Crew from Samoa
Press Release - A historical voyage across our Pacific ocean by a fleet of five traditional twin hulled vaka canoes is navigating towards a successful end.
Public Forum to be Hosted by Children
Child clubs of Honiara will be displaying their talents and voicing their views on child rights today at the Cultural Village in Honiara.
City Council Warns Against Poor Quality Rice
The Solomon Island's City Council has been receiving complaints against inferior rice sold by local businesses in Honiara.
Gold Ridge Mining Gets Support
The Solomon Islands Gold Ridge Mining Limited will be getting a 35-million US dollar loan from the International Finance Corporation - a member of the World Bank Group to help restart.
No Policy On RAMSI for PAP
The Solomon Islands former Prime Minister, Sir Allan Kemakeza says his party, the People's Alliance Party (PAP) has no policy on RAMSI.
PIPSO Needs Support to Exploit Opportunities
Press Release - 25th June 2010 - Smart business management and decision-making by the private sector, and regional cooperative actions are some of the ways that could assist the private sector in the Pacific region exploit the global economic recovery opportunities.
No Damages by 7.1 Earthquake
Over the weekend, a 7.1 magnitude earthquake that struck Kira Kira in the Makira Province caused no Tsunami threats but could be felt throughout parts of the Solomon Islands.
Sikua Praises Pacific-Arab Summit
Solomon Islands Prime Minister, Dr, Derek Sikua, has described the Pacific-Arab Summit as a historic event and a unique opportunity for Pacific Island countries to exchange views and dialogue with the Arab World on the prospects for cooperation between the two regions.
Scouts Received High Level Visit
The United Kingdom International Scout Commissioner, Mr Nigel Hailey last week paid a two-day visit to the Solomon Islands.
Signature to Cotonou Strengthens Relationship
Solomon Islands' Minister of Planning and Aid Coordination, Hon. Steve Abana last week signed the Second Revised Cotonou Agreement in a historic event in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, at the close of the 35th Session of the ACP-EU Council of Ministers.
The World Bank Group Welcomes Tuvalu - its Newest and Smallest Member
Press Release - Washington DC- June 24, 2010 - The World Bank Group today welcomed its newest member, Tuvalu.
Forum Discusses Non-Communicable Diseases in the Region
A forum being held in Nadi, Fiji, is discussing non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in the region and the attempts to halt the increasing trends in premature deaths from NCDs worldwide.
Candidates Told to Keep Within $50,000 in Spending
The Electoral Commission has appealed to intending candidates of the upcoming 2010 General Elections to keep within the $50,000 dollars candidate expenditure limit.
Announcement by Electoral Commission Sufficient: Maezama
The Government House today said it is not a practice for the Governor General to announce the Proclamation of the election date on the radio.
Former Government MPs Received $6.6 Million Each: Fono
Caretaker deputy Prime Minister, Fred Fono, has confirmed that the Eighth Parliament has dished out close to $6.6 million dollars for each constituency.
Solomon Airlines Pilots Now Qualified to Fly Dash 8
Solomon Airlines are proud to confirm that their very own Pilots are now qualified on the Dash 8 aircraft as First Officers.
Police Close Kauvare Nightclub
The Police have again closed down the popular Kauvare nightclub night club on Northwest Guadalcanal.
World Bank Funds Independent Telecommunications Commission
The government and the World Bank today signed a support agreement towards the recently established Independent Telecommunications Commission in Honiara.
4th August 2010 Declared for National Elections
Despite the early unofficial announcement, yesterday's proclamation by the Governor General, Sir Frank Kabui, has begun the official timetable for the National General Election, starting with a two week nomination period for candidates.
Fiji First in Region to Launch Payment Via Mobile Phone
Fiji, through one of its mobile service providers, will be the first country in the region to launch a mobile phone-based money transfer service.
Guadalcanal Premier Visits Malaita Ahead of Games
Premier of Guadalcanal province, Stephen Panga has made an advance visit to the provincial capital of Malaita, Auki, ahead of the Guadalcanal sporting contingent to the Solomon Games which kick off tomorrow.
GG to Announce Election Date Today
The Electoral Commission is expecting to talk to the media today about the upcoming elections.
RAMSI Contracted Companies Are Not Tax Exempted
Solomon Islands Commissioner of Inland Revenue made clear today that companies contracted by RAMSI are not exempted from paying tax to the Solomon Islands Government.
ADB Holds Forum to Advance Use of Clean Energy Technology in Region
MANILA, PHILIPPINES - Hundreds of policymakers, energy experts, project developers and investors from around the world will gather in the Philippines this week to discuss boosting investments and technologies to advance clean energy solutions in the Asia and Pacific region.
Taiwan Releases $5 million for Education
Republic of China, Taiwan, has released $5 million dollars towards the governments "2010 Fee Free Education Project."
Former MP Convicted on Corruption Charges
The High Court has convicted a former Member of Parliament on charges of official corruption while his co-accused, also a former member of Parliament, was acquitted on the same charges.
Minister Appoints Nickel International Tender Committee
The Minister of Mines, Energy and Rural Electricity, David Day Pacha has appointed members of an Isabel Nickel International Tender committee.
Sasako Welcomes Criminal Libel Charges
Intending candidate in the race for East Kwaio parliamentary seat in Malaita, Alfred Sasako, says he is not afraid of threats by Solomon Islands Honorary Consul in Sydney, Sir Dr Trevor Garland to press criminal libel charges against him.
PM Heads to UAE
Prime Minister Derek Sikua is leading a government delegation to attend the Pacific-Arab Summit in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates from the 23rd - 24th of this month.
Noro to Undergo Financial Restructure
Solomon Islands premier fishing and processing company, Soltai is to undergo a financial restructure.
Improved Security for Ballot Boxes
The Electoral Commission has improved the security of ballot papers for the upcoming coming National General Election.
We Understand the Risks: SIPRA
Solomon Islands Party for Rural Advancement, SIPRA, has launched its campaign platform for this year's national general election.
Candidates Be Ready With $2000: Electoral Commission
The Electoral Commission is advising intending candidates for the upcoming National General Election to prepare themselves for the opening of the nomination period.
CROP Executives Meeting Outcomes
PRESS RELEASE - The Executives of the Council of Regional Organisations in the Pacific (CROP) have expressed satisfaction at the progress of implementing the set of Pacific Plan priorities (2009 - 2012) endorsed by Forum Leaders in 2009.
Miss Melanesia Australia 2010 a Roaring Success
The Inaugural Miss Melanesia Australia 2010 was a roaring success, with beautiful representatives from around Melanesia flaunting their unique talents and attires to an appreciative crowd at the Sebel Citigate hotel's Presidential Ballroom, in Brisbane's CBD.
Rumors Not True: Rick Hou
Former Central Bank Governor Rick Hou has disassociated himself from promises and advice that he is the money man for the Family Charity Fund.
Freak Boat Accident Kills Young Student
A young high school student died after he was slammed against Noro Warf by a berthing passenger vessel.
Sir Trevor Plans Criminal Libel Charges against Sasako
Solomon Islands' Honorary Consul-General in Sydney, Sir Trevor Garland says he plans to lay criminal libel charges against intending politician, Alfred Sasako.
Auki Police Prepare for Solomon Games Tournament
Auki police are gearing up for what is expected to be a major security operation in the township.
Poor Nations Want Climate Pact
Many developing nations insisted at UN climate talks on Wednesday that a full UN treaty should be agreed in 2010 even though others are resigned to a far longer haul to tackle global warming.
Government Addresses Closure of Airstrip
A government group has gone to Rennell Bellona Province over the weekend to discuss issues surrounding the closure of the Tinngoa airstrip.
Iromea Found Guilty
A controversial former city councilor, John Seth Iromea, has been found guilty on charges of going armed in public and using threatening behavior.
No Consensus Towards Cancun, Revised Text Not Balanced, says Negotiators
Press Release - By Makereta Komai for Climate Pasifika in Bonn, Germany
Solomon Islands Prepares to Host a Major UN Meeting for LDC and AOSIS Negotiators
Press Release - By Makereta Komai for Climate Pasifika in Bonn, Germany
Let's Trust UN Climate Process: Beck
Several delegates attending the latest UN Climate Change Forum talks in Germany have conceded there is little chance of getting a draft agreement on cutting greenhouse gas emissions finalised ahead of the next major talks in December.
New Party Promises Economic Centres
The Rural and Urban Political Party, RUPP, has promised to build a prosperous Solomon Islands with a healthy economy, dignity and well being for its citizens.
Anti-RAMSI and Anti-Donor?
OUR Party President Manasseh Sogavare says accusations that the party is anti-aid donor and anti-RAMSI are ill-conceptions of its genuine concerns about aid money and the intervention mission.
Get Your Facts Right: Maelanga
The Minister for Provincial Government and Institutional Strengthening has refuted accusations by the Malaita Ma'asina Forum that he led a delegation to discuss political independence with Malaita provincial leaders.
Suspect Arrested in Death of Constable
Police have arrested a taxi driver, said to be in his early 40s, early yesterday morning in relation to the murder of a young police constable.
AOSIS Lose Fight to get Technical Analysis of the Soc. and Eco. Impact of Climate Change
Press Release - By Makereta Komai for Climate Pasifika in Bonn, Germany
Indigenous People's Launch Global Network on Climate Change
By Makereta Komai for Climate Pasifika in Bonn, Germany
High Court Extends Order on TV Rights
A High Court order restraining Eternity Broadcasting Network (EBN) Television and three other defendants from televising any FIFA World Cup games in South Africa has today been extended to a fifth defendant, Sol-Lanka PTY Limited.
I am the Party Leader: Ulufa'alu
The Solomon Islands Liberal Party denies suggestions that the care-taker Prime Minister is their party leader.
Search on For Cop Killer
Police are searching for a cop killer, who was said to have been intoxicated and travelling with a group of men in a taxi.
Kadau Names Kurukuru Futsal Squad
National Futsal Team Head Coach, Dickson Kadau, has released the names of the 12 players who will be travelling to Fiji for the Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) Futsal Championship.
EBN TV Decides Not to Pursue 2010 World Cup Coverage
The Eternity Broadcasting Network Television or EBN has decided not to pursue a High Court order restraining it from televising any world Cup coverage.
OUR Party Plans to Commit $36 Million to Economic Zones
OUR Party says it is committing $36 million dollars towards preparing areas within the country as Special Economic Zones.
PM Leads Delegation to UAE
Prime Minister Dr Derek Sikua will lead a government delegation to attend the Pacific Arab Summit in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates towards the end of this month.
Taro Arrives in South Africa for 2010 World Cup
Solomon Island's very first FIFA World Cup referee, Matthew Taro, has arrived in South Africa ahead of the start of the biggest sporting event of the year on June 11.
Local Tuna Cannery Face Shortage
Supply of Solomon Islands canned tuna will decline in the next few months if production at Noro Cannery in the Western Province does not resume.
We Need to Broaden Our Economic Base: Anga
Permanent Secretary of the Minister of Commerce, Industries, Employment and Immigration, Barnabas Anga has highlighted the need for Solomon Islands to broaden its development base.
Climate Change - Good for Islands?
According to a report by New Scientist magazine, climate change may be having a positive effect on small islands in that it has helped some of them stay stable in size and some to grow.
Ashley Appeals World Cup Travel Ban
Honiara Lawyer Charles Ashley has appealed against a ruling by a Honiara Magistrate on his request to travel to South Africa for the World Cup.
Climate Change Division Consults Provinces
While a high-level government delegation from the Solomon Islands continue hard negotiations for a legally-binding climate change deal in Germany, a climate change team from the Ministry of Environment was deployed to the Choiseul Province for consultations and awareness raising workshop on climate change.
$50 Million for Victims of Climate Change: OUR Party
OUR Party has pledged to commit $50 million dollars for a nationwide relocation programme for victims of climate change if elected into power at this year's national general elections.
Suava Bay Project Will Improve Livelihoods: Anga
The Suava Bay Economic Growth Center Project in North Malaita is aimed at enabling full and equitable participation of resource owners in their endeavor for rural development and sustainable livelihoods, says Permanent Secretary of Commerce, Barnabas Anga.
Government Grants Transfer of former RAMSI Officer to Samoan Prison
A former RAMSI Participating Police Force officer, Misi Matamu, was transferred to a correctional centre in Samoa this week, to serve out his prison sentence in his homeland.
Vella Ultimate Sports Gets Kick Start from Australia
The Australian High Commissioner, Frank Ingruber, this week handed over the final sports grant funding awarded to Solomon Islands' sporting associations under the Australian Sports Outreach Program 2009-2010.
IMF Approves USD 18.3 Million Standby Credit Facility for Solomons
The Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) today approved an 18-month SDR 12.48 million (about USD 18.3 million) arrangement under the Standby Credit Facility for the Solomon Islands in support of the authorities' economic reform program.
Funds to Boost Transport Infrastructure
The Solomon Islands Government today welcomed the passing of the National Transport Fund Act which will provide a long term sustainable mechanism for the rehabilitation and maintenance of transport infrastructure and will support the provision of inter-island shipping services in Solomon Islands.
$20 Per Year will not Solve Climate Change, People's Voices Must be Heard
Press Release - By Makereta Komai for Climate Pasifika in Bonn, Germany
Pacific Countries Fight to Keep Kyoto Protocol to Safeguard the Adaptation Fund
Press Release - By Makereta Komai for Climate Pasifika in Bonn, Germany
Suava Bay Project Going Ahead
The National Government will sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on the Suava Bay Project with the Malaita Provincial Government and Tribal Landowners of Suava Bay today.
Solomon Islanders on Short Term Training in Israel
Two Solomon Islanders will be travelling to Israel on Friday under a short term scholarship programme.
Business Owner Smuggle in Goods
Questions are being raised as to whether imported goods are being checked properly when entering the country.
REP Should Expand to Provinces: Panga
The Recently launched Rapid Employment Project, REP, funded by the World Bank, is already getting some blunt assessments on its ability to deliver, but more so on its intended recipients.
Rapid Employment Programme (REP) Launched
The Rapid Employment Project, REP, was officially launched by the Government yesterday.
Let's Stay Committed in Fight against HIV/AIDS: Dr Dalipanda
Lack of funding should not weigh out commitment in the fight against HIV/AIDS, says the Director of Public Health.
Climate Talks Begin with a Plea to Industrial Nations to Honour $30 Billion Promise
By Makereta Komai in Bonn for Climate Pasifika
Solomon Islander to Play Aussie Rules
Solomon Islands first national representative in Aussie Rules football will travel to Australia next month to compete in the Australian Rules National Championships.