Latest News Archive August 2010 News

Mr Tora said the government must settle down and work because people cannot just wait
in vain while their elected representatives "play politics."

Tora Named Police Minister

Parliament member for Ulawa-Ugi constituency James Tora has been sworn-in as Minister for Police, National Security and Correctional Services at Government House yesterday afternoon.

Pacific Islander to Vacate Seat on World Biodiversity Bureau in October

Press Release - Come the end of October, the second Pacific nation to hold a seat on the Bureau for the Convention for Biological Diversity, passes this privilege on.

Pacific Waste Newsletter by SPREP

Press Release - The Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme has published the first in a series of newsletters that chronicles the progress of solid waste management in the Pacific islands.

Prime Minister Philip acknowledged the visit - describing it as a symbol of close relations between our two countries and peoples.

PM Philip Hails New Zealand's Assistance Programs

Prime Minister Danny Philip has hailed New Zealand for its ongoing cooperation and assistance programs to Solomon Islands.

Tonga Declines Government's Request

Tongan authorities will conduct their own investigations into the recent shooting and death of a former police officer from Guadalcanal Province, according to laws of the Kingdom of Tonga.

Already, with just minutes before the launch, a large crowd has gathered outside their Point Cruz sales office.

Bemobile Launches Today

With the tagline "Mifala lo hia nao", telecommunication operator Bemobile has officially announced the launch of its new network in the country.

Mr. Rini was sworn in yesterday as the Minister for National Planning and Aid
Coordination.

Rini Sworn in as Minister

Prime Minister Danny Philip today says rumors that the Opposition group is planning to unseat him through a motion of no confidence are "nothing more than a figment ofimagination that merely reflects political adventurism."

Breaking the Silence - Controlling STIs in the Pacific

Wednesday 25 August, Noumea, SPC - For all the beauty and extraordinary richness of the Pacific, the region also holds some sad records.

Tonga Still to Respond to Government Request

Tonga has so far not responded to Solomons' requests to waive immunity for the soldiers although Fonokalafi and Tongan solicitor general 'Aminiasi Kefu flew to Honiara last week to meet with Solomon's attorney general Gabriel Suri.

UN Secretary General Praises Peaceful Elections

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki Moon has commended Solomon Islands for holding successful parliamentary elections.

It is understood that the Opposition side is looking at a possibility of a motion of no confidence based on their current numerical strength.

Rini Switches Camp

Just days after winning the majority to form government, the Philip led government has suffered a blow with Snyder Rini choosing to switch his allegiance to the Opposition group.

"I hope we will work on helping our stakeholders to combat it, simply by providing awareness to it," said the current Miss Solomon Islands, Rabobo Toma.

Miss Solomons and Hammerheads RC Help Combat Domestic Violence

On Tuesday the 31st of August, 2010, the current Miss Solomon Islands 2009, Rabobo Toma, in collaboration with the Henderson Hammerheads Rugby Club will host a Trivia Night at the King Solomons Bamboo Bar.

PM Pays Tribute to Mother

The country's newly elected Prime Minister paid a moving tribute to his mother, who suffers from polio and is bed-ridden in their home village of Lokuru on Rendova Island.

Mr Laore was 46, from Nuhu village and is survived by a wife and three children.

Funeral Arrangements for Late Laore

The funeral arrangements for the Late Steve Laore are being taken care of by a committee which usually organizes funeral arrangements for MPs and senior government officers.

No Suspicious Circumstances Surrounding MP's Death

The Police Commissioner says there were no suspicious circumstances involved in the death of the MP for Shortlands, Steve Laore, at the Pacific Casino Hotel on Wednesday night.

"His sudden passing away is a huge loss to your family, the constituency, Western Province, the National Government and the Nation as a whole," Prime Minister Philip said.

Coalition Government Mourns Death of Colleague

Prime Minister Honorable Danny Philip and members of his coalition group today expressed their deep sadness over the untimely passing away of the Member of Parliament for Shortland Islands, the late Steve Laore.

PM Philip Assures RAMSI of his Support

The country's new Prime Minister assures the Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands of his support and continued presence in the country.

PM Philip Pleased With Peaceful Behavior

Newly elected Prime Minister Hon Danny Philip is pleased with the peaceful public behavior during his election yesterday.

PM to Make Ministerial Appointments Soon

Newly elected Prime Minister Hon Danny Philip today said he will make Ministerial appointments in a few days.

Palau Green Fee Hits the 1 Million Mark in Less than a Year

Press Release - Tourists holidaying in Palau since November last year have helped raise over a million dollars for the protected areas of the territory. Palau now has 1.3 million USD from a Green fee tax that began on 1 November 2009, all of which will help conservation efforts in Palau.

The Prime Minister says that his first priority will be the actual formation of government, which will be based on merit.

Danny Philip is Prime Minister

Solomon Islands Governor General, Sir Frank Kabui, has declared Hon. Danny Philip, MP for Rendova Tetepare, as Prime Minister of Solomon Islands.

Philip Speaks on Sogavare's Departure

Prime Minister candidate for Pacific Casino's camp says the departure of Manasseh Sogavare to Heritage Park hotel camp is "not a threat but rather a concern."

The Prime Ministerial election is still too close to call with both camps claiming to have the numerical advantage.

Nation Awaits

The Prime Ministerial election, scheduled to begin sometime after 9.30am this morning, is still too close to call with both camps claiming to have the numerical advantage.

Directors of Public Health to Review Adolescent Health and Development

Directors of Public Health will meet to discuss practical ways to effectively implement Adolescent Health and Development (AHD) programme activities in 10 Pacific countries. Key to this effective implementation is mainstreaming AHD issues-ensuring that they are addressed in activities in all sectors and at all levels.

We Need to Expand Our Economic Base: Hou

The coalition group camping at Heritage Park Hotel says the country's economy has "for so long relied heavily on the forestry sector and there is a great need to spread out to other sectors of the economy."

Liquor Ban Enforced on PM's Election Day

Police request for a ban on the sale of alcohol during the Prime Minister's Election period has been approved by the responsible authorities.

The RSIPF is the lead agency in this joint operation and will be closely supported by the RAMSI Participating Police Force and Military personnel.

Police Beef Up Security Operations

As the election of the country's Prime Minister nears, and with memories of the 2006 Prime Ministerial election still fresh, police have taken extra measures to beef up their presence in and around Honiara.

Preparing the "One Pacific" for International Biodiversity Negotiations in October

Press Release - A three day meeting has brought the Pacific region closer together as the 14 island countries prepare to face the world at the 10th Conference of the Parties for the Convention on Biological Diversity in October.

Attorney General Waits on Tongan Government

The Attorney General says he expects to get a response from the government of Tonga by Tuesday this week on whether they agree to wave immunity to two of its soldiers serving with RAMSI.

Why was Sikua Excluded? Tribal Groups Ask

People of Ghaobata, Malango, Bahomea and Vulolo have expressed disappointment in the candidacy of Fataleka MP-elect Steve Abana as a candidate for next week's Prime Minister elections.

Both sides have claimed to have the numbers to form government, although many political analysts say there will be intense lobbying by both sides until the eleventh hour.

Steve Abana or Danny Philip for PM

The government House has received two nominations for the Prime Minister's elections at the close of nominations on Friday afternoon.

Police Commissioner Meets Tongan Officials

The Police Commissioner says he is pleased to have met with two Tongan senior officials who arrived after a shooting incident which resulted in the death of a man at Titinge in Honiara.

Police Beef Up Security As PM Election Nears

Police says the public can expect some inconvenience around the National Parliament grounds during election of a new Prime Minister next week.

Mr Keniapisia has dismissed rumors that party leader Steve Abana is planning to cross over to the other camp.

Still No Names For PM

With less than eight hours remaining before the close of nomination for a new prime minister, the groups vying to form the next government have yet to name their candidates.

Pacific Trade and Invest Work to Increase Investment in PICs

PRESS RELEASE - 18th August 2010 - Last week's successful Pacific Investment Summit in Sydney, Australia, has been applauded for its work to secure new investment for Pacific island countries.

RSIPF Titinge Investigation Update

The Royal Solomon Islands Police Force investigation into the incident that occurred at Titinge on 12 August 2010 is progressing well with a dedicated team of detectives investigating the incident.

Hard Lobbying as Deadline Nears

The deadline for the Prime Ministers' nomination lapses tomorrow afternoon, yet there are no nominations from the various camps.

Mr Sogavare says the country is in danger of having a government that is nothing more than a collection of "groups of convenience."

Coalition of Convenience: Sogavare

Manasseh Sogavare, the former Opposition Leader and current Leader of OUR Party, says members of the ninth Parliament are repeating the weakness of past parliaments in the formation of a new government.

Pacific Regional Strategy on Disability Implementation

PRESS RELEASE - 17th August 2010 - The Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat and other stakeholders have begun work towards the implementation of the Pacific Regional Strategy on Disability after it was endorsed at the 41st Pacific Islands Forum held in Port Vila, Vanuatu 3 - 6 August.

Lobbying Increases, Outcome Unpredictable

While Solomon Islands is only two days away from the close of nominations for the country's future Prime Minister, latest information trickling out from the main camps still has not offered the clearest of direction on a political coalition.

Titinge Shooting Investigations Going Well: Marshall

The Royal Solomon Islands Police Commissioner Peter Marshall says he is satisfied with the progress of the investigations into the rock throwing and shooting incident at Titinge last week in which a man in his late thirties died.

ADB Loan to Help Marshall Islands Meet Budget Targets, Reform Public Sector

MANILA, PHILIPPINES - The Asian Development Bank (ADB) will provide loan assistance to the Republic of the Marshall Islands to help to achieve long-term fiscal sustainability and to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the public sector.

The Tongan Solicitor General is expected to brief Mr Suri and formally deliver the Tongan Government's decision when they meet.

AG Meets Tongan Counterpart over Titinge Shooting

The Solomon Islands Attorney General, Gabriel Suri, says he is yet to receive a response from the Tongan Government on two requests he made through his Tongan counterpart following last week's incident.

Inside the Parliamentary chambers where the election of prime minister will take place soon.

Governor General Announces Date for Meeting

Newly elected members will meet in parliament on Wednesday 25th August to elect a new prime minister.

World's Rarest Coral Discovered In Pacific Ocean

As taken from a post by Beth Buczynski for care2.com

NCW Calls for Transparent Process in PM Election

A leading women's organisation in the country has appealed to newly elected members of Parliament to show integrity and good judgment and act with responsibility and accountability in the process of electing a new prime minister and forming government.

The Governor General is expected to announce a meeting of Parliamentarians soon to elect the country's prime minister.

Government Formation Nears

Lobbying between the different political camps to elect a new prime minister continues with two major camps now emerging.

RAMSI Presents Chupu to Titinge Village

RAMSI Special Coordinator, Graeme Wilson, presented traditional gifts or chupu, to the family and community of the Solomon Islands man who died in an incident involving RAMSI security forces, on Thursday 12 August.

Kurukuru sensation Elliot Ragomo showed why he is one of the best in the region, scoring seven goals in his final match to claim the OFC Golden Boot Award just ahead of teammate Micah Lea'alafa.

Hat-trick for Kurukuru

The Solomon Islands have claimed their third consecutive OFC Futsal Championship at Suva's Vodafone Arena on Saturday, finishing above runners-up Fiji and New Zealand who took third.

Relatives of Deceased Want Compensation

Family of the late Harry Lolongo who had been gun down by RAMSI personnel on Thursday morning will be looking into possible demands that will be submitted to RAMSI after the funeral.

2010 National Elections Final Results

Here is the final list of results following the National Election held on 4th August 2010.

Pacific Region Promises Opportunities for Investment

PRESS RELEASE - 13th August 2010 - The Pacific Region promises great opportunities for investment despite the many disadvantages present in the countries.

David Lafai stepping up to become a fifth attacker.

Kurukuru in Cruise Control, Upstaging Tahiti

The Solomon Islands were in a confident mood at the OFC Futsal Championship today playing with a 'fifth attacker' for much of the game against Tahiti.

Mr Kelvin Fahey, President of Hardrush Music, presents a contract to last year's winner Jeddy Dyer.

Australian Music Producer Arrives Today for Solo Icon

Australian music producer, Kelvin Fahey, will arrive in Honiara today ahead of the Solo Icon Grand Final on Sunday 15 August.

RAMSI Offers Condolences over Fatal Shooting

RAMSI Special Coordinator, Graeme Wilson, today expressed his deepest regret at the tragic death of a Solomon Islands man in a fatal shooting by RAMSI security forces on the outskirts of Honiara yesterday.

Camps Claim to Have Numbers

As lobbying continue to escalate, all the major camps now claim that they have the numbers needed to form the new government.

Police are also investigating an injury sustained by another male who is in a stable condition and being treated in the National Referral Hospital.

RSIPF Investigate Titinge Fatality

Police attended at an incident in the early hours of yesterday morning at the location of Titinge Village where there were reports of a disturbance between two parties.

Literacy and Numeracy in FICs

PRESS RELEASE - 12th August 2010 - The failure to disseminate the reports of baseline achievements in literacy and numeracy in Forum island countries remains one of the challenges facing education authorities in the region.

Death at Titinge Ridge

The Royal Solomon Island Police Force has confirmed that there has been one death as a result of an incident at Titinge in the early hours of this morning.

Jack Wetney salutes the fans after his superb opener.

Kurukuru Beats Vanuatu 8-3

Kurukuru captain Elliot Ragomo may have been out of action on day four of the OFC Futsal Championship but the Solomon Islands still poured on the goals beating Vanuatu 8-3.

A driver fortunately escaped serious injury after the vehicle he was driving, caught fire while he was driving through China Town.

Lucky Escape for Driver

Police are urging public drivers to take more precautions to help prevent accidents, after a car was in flamed at China Town area yesterday afternoon.

Kaitu'u says the party is yet to put forward a name for the prime minister's post, saying members of other political parties are fast filling their camp.

Rini is Not Necessarily Our Candidate for PM: IDP

The Independent Democratic Party has dismissed media reports alleging Marovo MP Snyder Rini as its preferred candidate for prime minister.

Forum Education Ministers Meeting Effective in First Decade

PRESS RELEASE - 11th August 2010 - The Forum Education Ministers' Meeting (FEdMM) has provided a very effective platform for leveraging donors and development partners' reactions to the development needs of education in the region.

EU and SPC to Cooperate on Deep-Sea Minerals Project

The European Union (EU) and SPC have signed a Contribution Agreement worth ?4.4 million for a project entitled 'Deep Sea Minerals in the Pacific Islands Region: A Legal and Fiscal Framework for Sustainable Resource Management'.

Mr Sogavare confirms he is negotiating with winning members of other political parties to try to form the next government.

Sogavare Disappointed with OUR Party's Performance

Leader of the Ownership, Unity and Responsibility, OUR political party - East Choiseul MP elect, Manasseh Sogavare says he is disappointed that some senior members of his party were not re-elected to Parliament.

Forty Eight Results Confirmed

Forty eight results have been announced so far, meaning only two are still to be decided.

A group calling itself the Independent Democratic Party is camping at the Honiara Hotel.

Political "Camps" Kick Start Lobbying Process

With election results nearing its completion political factions within the country are now camping in an effort to garner and retain support.

Solomon Islands Election 2010 - Joint Statement

SOLOMON ISLANDS ELECTION 2010INTERNATIONAL ELECTION OBSERVERSSTATEMENTPacific Islands Forum, Australia and New Zealand8 August 2010

The Kurukuru take a break today while the Futsal Whites face another tough challenge in Vanuatu.

Kurukuru Flies Past Kiwi 8-4

A four goal haul from Micah Lea'alafa has guided the Solomon Islands to an 8-4 victory over New Zealand at the OFC Futsal Championship in Suva yesterday evening.

Lusibaea Speaks on Win

The new Member of Parliament for the North Malaita constituency, Jimmy "Rasta" Lusibaea says his win in the elections is a slap in the face of people, including the 'outside world', who have continuously labeled him as an ex-militant.

Mr Abana is a member of the Solomon Islands Democratic Party who now have 11 members and now in the running to form the next government.

Abana Re-elected

Care-taker Planning Minister Steve Abana has been re-elected in the Fataleka Constituency on Malaita following the elections last Wednesday.

Kukukuru players celebrate Elliot Ragomo's goal.

Kurukuru Sours, Beating New Caledonia 9-2

The Solomon Islands have shown why they are the favourites at the OFC Futsal Championship Fiji 2010 after an emphatic 9-2 win against New Caledonia on Saturday.

It is understood that lobbying for the country's top job has already begun over the weekend.

Dr Sikua Retains Seat

Former Prime Minister Dr Derek Sikua of the C-NURA Government has won his seat with a huge majority over his closest rival Alfred Lovanitilia.

The projects approximately cost US$10.5 million including design and supervision costs.

Japanese Funded Projects in Malaita Set to Begin

The long-awaited multimillion dollar Auki wharf and market project funded by the Japanese Government will begin at the end of this month, a top government official announced on Sunday.

Sir Peter said he was saddened that an otherwise very peaceful and transparent polling day and had been interrupted at one counting station.

Lau Mbaelelea Count Will Continue: Sir Peter

The Electoral Commission has received advice from the Attorney General that the count for Lau Mbaelelea Constituency must proceed until completed.

Republic of Marshall Islands Sign Pacific Petroleum Project MoU

PRESS RELEASE - 6th August 2010 - The Republic of the Marshall Islands today signed the Memorandum of Understanding for the Pacific Petroleum Project, the fifth Pacific Island Country to sign after the Cook Islands, Nauru, Niue and Tuvalu.

Sir Allan served five terms in Parliament.

Veteran Politician Loses Seat

Another high profile candidate has failed to retain his seat.

2010 Election Update 6

The final result for Western Province introduces a new young Member of Parliament for West New Georgia, Silas Kerry Vaqara Tausinga.

Time For Change

As celebrations continue at the Riverside community following the announcement of new Small Malaita Member of Parliament, Rick Hou, the hype goes right across the ocean to Fiji.

New Member of Parliament for Small Malaita, Rick Hou.

High Profile New MP for Small Malaita

Another former Member of Parliament bows out in the 2010 national election.

West Honiara supporters who are yet to hear who will represent them in Parliament.

2010 Election Update 5

Solomon Islands have 12 new Members of Parliament and lost six big names as counting continue into day 3 of the 2010 national election results.

Mr Fono lost his seat to businessman Jackson Fiulaua in a closely contested election.

High Profile Candidates Lose Election

Former Deputy Prime Minister Fred Fono is the latest high profile candidate to lose his seat.

2010 Election Update 4

As results come in the Police have had to send in reinforcements to the Temotu provincial capital Lata after supporters of a certain candidate ransacked shops and properties.

Francis Billy Hilly CMG was the fourth Prime Minister of the Solomon Islands from 18 June 1993 to 7 November 1994.

Former PM Lose Seat

Longtime MP and a former Prime Minister Francis Billy Hilly has lost his seat to new comer Charles Sigoto.

Choiseul Welcomes Two New MPs

Choiseul province has confirmed its new members of parliament after a long counting day yesterday.

Election Officials Found

Election security officials for Ndei Island, Lau/MBaelelea Constituency, have been found after losing their way to the remote polling station in bad weather and strong currents.

The National Broadcaster has confirmed that Mr Sogavare won with a sizeable margin in his East Choiseul constituency.

Sogavare Retains Seat

Former Opposition Leader and the Leader of the OUR Party, Manasseh Sogavare, has retained his seat.

Pacific ACP Leaders' Meeting Outcomes

41st PACIFIC ISLANDS FORUM - PRESS RELEASE - 4th August 2010 - The 8th meeting of the Pacific ACP Leaders was held in Port Vila, Republic of Vanuatu Tuesday 3rd August to discuss the progress of European Union assistance through the European Development Fund (EDF) to the region as well as trade issues.

Job Dudley Tausinga has been declared winner by the Governor General Sir Frank Kabui for a record seventh term in Parliament.

2010 Election Update 3

Three former MPs from the previous House have retained their seat. Job Tausinga, Seth Gukuna and Varian Lonamei have won comfortably as results slowly come in.

More updates will be made as and when results come to hand.

2010 Election Update 2

Still no confirmed results apart from North New Georgia Constituency in the Western Province where Job Tausinga has won comfortably for his seventh term in Parliament. Below is a small update of progress so far.

2010 Election Update 1

Results are slowly trickling in with a few constituencies already starting the count. Below is a quick rundown on those constituencies being counted.

Last week, the Baruku broke down on its way to Ontong Java, leaving the Returning Officer, polling officials, police and election materials stranded in Honiara.

Elections for Ontong Java Deferred

The Solomon Islands Electoral Commission has deferred the date for election in Ontong Java to Monday 9 August 2010.

Police officers patrolling the Honiara central market yesterday.

Police Maintain High Visibility

The Royal Solomon Islands Police Force, with strong support from the Participating Police Force and RAMSI Military, continues to conduct mobile patrols and maintain a highly visible presence in and around Honiara.

RAMSI Flies Ballot Papers to Malaita

RAMSI's Participating Police Force (PPF) has assisted the Solomon Islands Electoral Commission deliver ballot papers to Malaita Province in time for yesterday's poll.

Counting will start later this morning with several results expected this afternoon.

2010 Elections, Quiet and Peaceful

The 2010 National General Elections has been described by many poll managers as being quiet and peaceful.

New Forum Chair Calls for Removal of Barriers against Democracy

PORT VILA, VANUATU - PRESS RELEASE - 3rd August 2010 - The Chair of the 41st Pacific Islands Forum and Prime Minister of the Republic of Vanuatu, Hon. Edward Natapei, MP, has called for the removal of barriers and elements in the region that deny democracy and good governance.

Climate Change Issues Dominate SIS Leaders' Meeting

PRESS RELEASE - 3rd August 2010 - Leaders of the Pacific Islands Forum Smaller Islands States (SIS) held their 19th meeting in Port Vila, Vanuatu today with climate change issues dominating the meeting.

Modest Growth Expected for Pacific Economies in 2011, Says ADB

MANILA, PHILIPPINES - Stronger than expected economic growth in resource rich Timor-Leste has resulted in an upgrade of the Asian Development Bank's (ADB) forecast of economic growth in the Pacific region, according to the latest edition of ADB's Pacific Economic Monitor.

Lawyer May Loose License

Honiara Lawyer Charles Ashley may loose his legal licence after being referred to a disciplinary committee by the Solomon Islands Honourable Chief Justice.

Police Participate in Joint Agency Integrity Symposium

Several members of the Royal Solomon Island Police Force (RSIPF) with investigators from various government agencies participated in a joint Integrity symposium, held at Kitano Mendana Hotel last week.