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.
Under its licence the company was to have launched its network for 25 per cent of the population by 18 June 2010 but had failed to comply.

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.
Sir Allan, says that his party plans to cut the number of Government Ministries and spend money on the Provinces

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.
International Scout Commissioner, Mr Nigel Hailey, during his arrival last week.

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.
Minister of Planning and Aid Coordination, Hon. Steve Abana was amongst the first to sign the Second Revised Cotonou Agreement in Burkina Faso.

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.
Fono revealed that for 2010 a total of $600,000 dollars has been spent in each constituency which takes the figure up to $6.6 million dollars over four years.

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.
Captain Gibson Galo, the Chief Pilot of Solomon Airlines has recently returned from PNG after some months of training by Airlines PNG.

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.
Election date has been proclaimed by the Governor General as Wednesday 4 August 2010.

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.
Mr Minto said that Inland Revenue had been working for several years now with RAMSI to ensure that everyone including the companies are very clear on their tax status.

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.
Demand for stainless steel is growing very fast, and this accounts for almost 54% of nickel consumption in the USA alone and more than 60% in other countries.

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.
The Summit is the initiative of the UAE after its Foreign Minister, Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan visited the region for the first time.

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.
The new security seal, similar to the one above, is used in many countries for their elections.

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.
The Chief Electoral Officer said that the proclamation date, which will be done by the Governor General, marks the start of the official legal election timetable.

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.
Viv Wickham from Solomon Airlines had the honour of presenting Miss Mopio-Jane her winning crown.

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.
Sasako alleged Sir Trevor's candidacy never came before the awards and honours committee - that he was wrongly credited for the 10 bed arrangement at Saint Vincent hospital.

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.
Police officers stationed at Auki have already commenced crowd and traffic control exercises this week.

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.
"This is about our survival", said Collin Beck of the Solomon Islands who is vice-chair of the Alliance of Small Island States which fear a creeping rise in world sea levels caused by global warming.

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.
On the anti-RAMSI accusations, Mr Sogavare defended his party's concerns saying "they are legitimate concerns that any sovereign government could have."

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

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.
Witnesses say an average built man stepped out of the taxi stabbed the off duty officer and sped off in the taxi towards the Chinatown area.

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 says that he will be banking on the experience of Captain Elliot Ragomo and Jack Wetney to get the results he is looking for.

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.
Sogavare says OUR party has designed a policy aimed at attracting quality investors into the country's rural areas.

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.
Matthew Taro at the FIFA referees headquarters for the 2010 World Cup.

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.
The Noro Cannery has been closed since March this year due to unresolved issues regarding shares in the company.

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.
Mr Anga said there is a great need "to broaden our economic base to address the country's growing population."

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.
Permanent Secretary of Commerce, Barnabas Anga (R), during the signing ceremony.

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.
Mr Ingruber presented a cheque for more than SBD30,000 to Vella Ultimate Sports Association Chairman, Mr Tome Ladomea.

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.
Improvements to the quality, reliability and availability of infrastructure in both rural and urban areas are crucial for boosting economic growth.

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.
Mr Panga said he fears that the launching of the project "may attract unemployed people from the provinces to Honiara."

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.
Already Solomon Islands have thirteen cumulative cases of HIV dating from 1994 to the end of December 2009.

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.

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