Latest News Archive May 2011 News - Solomon Times Online

CBSI Lauds Liberalization of Telecommunications in Report

The Central Bank of Solomon Islands Annual Report 2010 says the liberalization of the country's telecommunications industry in 2009 has greatly improved general availability and coverage of telecommunications services in the country.

Close Down SIVB: Western Tourism Operators

Western Tourism Operators have called on the National Government through the Ministry of Culture and Tourism to close-down the Solomon Islands Visitors Bureau (SIVB).

Why should Solomon Islands be part of a solution to a problem that's never been ours?" said Dr Sikua.

Government Offer Embarrassing: Sikua

The Opposition Leader Dr Derek Sikua has described Prime Minister Danny Philip's statement of being disappointed at Australia's exclusion of Solomon Islands from its discussion of a new pacific solution for processing asylum seekers as embarrassing.

It's Time to Quit - World No Tobacco Day, 31 May

Health workers throughout the region are raising their voices in warning about the dangers of tobacco smoking.

It seems likely that the government will look to Vanuatu, which has been producing some of the world's best beef for years.

Government Keen to Re-start Cattle Project

The Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock will present a white paper to cabinet seeking a new arrangement to import cattle into the country under the National Cattle Rehabilitation Project.

European Union Releases 9 million (Euros) for Pacific ACP Countries

European Union releases 9 million (Euros) for increasing the trade capacity of Pacific ACP countries

Mr Philip said the choice of Stirling Islands is also linked to the country's own security situation.

Government Offers Stirling Island to Australia

Prime Minister Danny Philip has said that Solomon Islands offer to assist Australia with its asylum-seekers processing centre, was in response to reports that there were difficulties with the Australian Government's proposal to have it done in East Timor.

Agreement Strengthens Partnership Between Pacific and Caribbean

Press Release - Apia, Samoa - A memorandum of understanding has been signed between the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Program (SPREP) and the Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre (5C's).

It is understood that the Solomon Islands approached Australia after Prime Minister Julia Gillard's push for an East Timor facility fell through.

A "Solomon Solution" Unlikely?

It has been revealed that the Solomon Islands government is seriously exploring the possibility of hosting an asylum-seeker processing centre.

The new H4-Bus aircraft, similar to the one pictured, is currently in Melbourne, where new livery in national colours, seating configurations and other work packages are being applied.

Solomon Airlines to Fly National Colours in New A-320 Aircraft

Solomon Airlines will start flying the country's national colours again on its international route soon as it prepares to take delivery of a new A-320 aircraft.

Solomon Islands' III Kings, the winner of Pacific Break 201o.

Radio Australia's Pacific Break 2011 - now open!

The opportunity for Pacific musicians to share and display their musical talent has returned.

Beautification Nursery Launched

Solomon Islands key parties yesterday marked a historic development for the Solo Enviro Beautification (SEB).

TRC to Hold Another Hearing

The Solomon Islands Truth and Reconciliation Commission is planning to hold a third thematic public hearing for ex-combatants in either the Western or Choiseul Province soon.

Monument to Honour Local WWII Scouts and Coastwatchers

Local scouts and coastwatchers of World War II will be honoured with a monument soon in the heart of Honiara city.

Combating tropical diseases needs the government, health authorities and stakeholders in the country to work together.

Working Together to Combat Tropical Diseases

Solomon Islands can eradicate tropical diseases if people are responsible enough to look after themselves.

WHO Calls for Tougher Laws on Smoking

MANILA, 31 May 2011 - The World Health Organization (WHO) today called on governments to pass and enforce national laws that will prevent premature deaths from tobacco-related diseases.

"As minister responsible for Tourism, I would like to ensure that tourism is developed in our country given the huge potential that we have here," said Hon. Manetoali.

Tourism Minister Visits Western Province

The Minister of Tourism and Culture Hon. Samuel Manetoali will be visiting tourism establishments in Gizo, Western province, today.

Culture Mapping, Planning and Policy (CMPP) Sub-Regional Workshop

More resources and better coordinated approach needed to address culture sector, says former Tuvalu PM

Minister Appoints New Telecommunications Commissioner

Minister for Communications and Aviation, Andrew Hanaria announced the appointment of Mr Bernard Hill, a senior executive of a Hong Kong based Consultancy Company, as the next Telecommunications Commissioner.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirms that issues surrounding Mr Bata'anisia are being dealt with by the Ministry of Public Service in consultation with the Attorney General's Chambers.

Foreign Affairs Confirms Suspension of Bata'anisia

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade confirms that the former Solomon Islands High Commissioner to Papua New Guinea, Bernard Bata'anisia, has been recalled and subsequently suspended.

Mr Prebble says reforms in SOEs would mean "lower costs for higher quality services from the government."

Reform of SOEs will be Beneficial for Solomon Islands

A former New Zealand MP says steps taken to reform State Owned Enterprises (SOE) will have huge benefits to the ordinary people of Solomon Islands.

Suri Clarifies Adjournment of Dr Sikua's Petition Case

Dr Derek Sikua's legal Counsel has clarified that the constant adjournment of his client's petition trial can be blamed on both parties and not only on Dr Sikua.

Provincial Leaders to Observe Next Parliament Meeting

Leaders of the six provinces who participated in the recent Provincial Speakers and Clerks Attachment will observe the next National Parliament meeting that should resume mid this year.

Conservation Awareness Strengthened in Rotuma

Empowered communities in Rotuma, an isolated island located to the North of Fiji, are strong stewards of their environment caring for their biodiversity and undertaking programs to conserve nature on the island.

NRH in its submission indicated that the bulk of the recommendations of the Auditor General's Department have since been addressed, with only a few remaining to be finalized.

National Referral Hospital Lacks Adequate System: AG Report

An Auditor General's report which contained 118 recommendations included a key finding that the National Referral Hospital lack adequate system.

Managing the Impact of Climate Change on the Agricultural Sector

Wednesday 18th May, 2011 Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC) Suva, Fiji

Project Officer Calls for Relocation of Atoll Islanders

People living in low lying islands in the country need to be considered for relocation before the devastating effects of climate change becomes too late to address.

The tuna industry generates close to USD$4 Billion dollars annually, less than 6% of this returns to the Pacific Island economies, mostly in the form of access fees.

Government Seeks to Retain Tuna Wealth

The Solomon Islands government is seriously pursuing initiatives that should see greater returns from the exploitation of its rich tuna resources.

Young Elliot Ragomo took both the Golden Boot for the highest number of goals scored in the tournament, a staggering 19 goals, and won the Golden Ball.

Ragomo Scoops Two Awards

Inspirational Solomon Islands Futsal captain, Elliot Ragomo, has won two awards at the OFC Futsal Champions that ended last Friday in Suva, Fiji.

New Zealand MP Leads Trade Mission to Solomon Islands

An influential group of New Zealand business people, led by New Zealand MP John Hayes, is to visit Honiara this week to develop business opportunities between New Zealand and the Solomon Islands.

SPC to Concentrate on Climate Change Adaptation Issues

Wednesday 19th May, 2011 Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC) Suva, Fiji

This is the common Solomon Islands 'Kurukuru' widely known as the Pigeon.

What is the Kurukuru?

If you are not a Solomon Islander, you may have wondered about the name 'Kurukuru' as used by the Solomon Islands National Futsal Team. Kurukuru is actually a Solomon Islands term for the Pigeon bird.

Hundreds more are expected to line the streets as they parade through town with the winning trophy.

Kurukuru to Return Home to Heores Welcome!

Solomon Islands much loved Kurukuru Futsal Team will return home today to a heroes welcome. Hundreds have made the trip to Henderson Intentional Airport to greet these young brave hearts. Hundreds more are expected to line the streets as they parade through town with the winning trophy.

ADB to Help Step Up Resource Management in Threatened Coral Triangle

MANILA, PHILIPPINES (19 May 2011) - One of the world's most diverse and threatened marine ecosystems - the Coral Triangle - is getting Asian Development Bank (ADB) support to improve management of its rich resources and to provide job alternatives for people living in the coastal communities.

Ambassador Andreae, Sir Frank Kabui, Acting Foreign Minister Snyder Rini and PS Foreign Affairs George Hiele.

Dutch Ambassador Presents Credentials

Netherlands newly appointed Ambassador to Solomon Islands has presented his Letter of Credence to the Governor General Sir Frank Kabui.

Solomon Gold Unveils Positive Drill Results

Gold and copper explorer Solomon Gold (SOLG) unveiled further positive results from its wholly-owned Fauro Island Project drilling programme in the Solomon Islands.

Kurukuru Humbles Vanuatu 13-1

The Kurukuru have booked a meeting with Tahiti in the grand final of the OFC Futsal Championship after sweeping aside Vanuatu 13-1 in the second semi-final this evening.

Kurukuru will now go on to meet Vanuatu in what is expected to be a thriller.

Solomon Islands Beats Tuvalu 16-0

The Kurukuru have sent a warning to their semi-final rivals with a clinical dismantling of underdogs Tuvalu in the final match of Group B at the OFC Futsal Championship.

Water Project Might Lose Millions

Solomon Islands is on the verge of losing a Japanese International Cooperation Agency funding of more than SBD$250 million dollars to improve water and sanitation in Honiara because a particular landowning party refused to sign the agreement.

Acting Australian High Commissioner Alison Duncan receives a letter of support from the Minister for Agriculture and Livestock, Hon Connelly Sandakabatu for the PHAMA program.

Government Seeks to Improve Agricultural Exports

The Minister for Agriculture and Livestock Development, Hon. Connelly Sandakabatu, has launched a new Pacific-wide initiative to help increase agricultural exports and increase foreign earnings for the country.

PILN highlighted as a model for South-South Cooperation

Seven-years since the Pacific Island countries requested for its set up - the Pacific Invasives Learning Network (PILN) will be showcased at a South-South Cooperation meeting in Korea from 18-20 May.

Nagoya Protocol - Access and Benefits Sharing

Press Release: Nature Conservation

The result means the Solomon Islands have now qualified for the next stage.

Kurukuru Claims Hard Fought Victory over Tahiti

The Kurukuru have joined Vanuatu in making it through to the semi-finals of the OFC Futsal Championship after eventually edging out a determined Tahiti outfit 1-0.

ROC Funds Solar for National Parliament

The Government of the Republic of China (ROC), Taiwan, has formally handed over funds totaling SB$1.85 million (US$234,000) towards the National Parliament Office Complex Solar project.

Solomons Close Tuna Fishery This Month

Solomon Islands are in the process of closing its waters to foreign purse seiners this month. The decision to do so has been described by many in the fishing industry as "bold and decisive."

Enhancing Government Services in the Pacific Region Using ICT

In response to the challenges and opportunities of this digital age, many public sector organisations are embracing the concept of e-government-government using information and communication technology (ICT) to improve their service delivery, strengthen accountability, and increase transparency.

The report states that macroeconomic performance has been favorable owing to strong agricultural and logging production as well as a large mining investment.

IMF Satisfied with Solomon Islands Performance

An International Monetary Fund (IMF) mission team led by Mr. Hoe Ee Khor visited Honiara during May 3-13, 2011, and is so far satisfied with its second review under the Standby Credit Facility arrangement with the Solomon Islands.

Solomon Islands' Coach, Dickson Kadau, was delighted with how his boys played, and was full of praise for their composure.

Kurukuru Beats New Caledonia 13-5

Solomon Islands Kurukuru has sounded the alarm at the start of the 2011 Oceanic Football Confederation (OFC) Futsal Championship at the Vodafone Arena in Suva, Fiji, beating New Caledonia 13-5.

An Ariel shot of Fauro Island in the Shortland Islands.

Bandits Raid Fauro Mine Site

Unconfirmed reports state that a group of heavily armed bandits raided the Fauro Mine Site and stole very expensive equipments and gold samples.

Tonga Hosts Forum Trade Officials and Ministers

Press Statement - Monday 16 May 2011The Forum Trade Ministers' Meeting (FTMM) will be held in Vava'u, Kingdom of Tonga on 18-19 May 2011.

Strong Earthquake Strikes Solomon Islands

A strong 6.5-magnitude earthquake struck the Western Solomons, beneath the sea off Papua New Guinea, prompting a local tsunami alert, US seismologists say.

GP Premier Says No To Extension of Town Boundaries

Guadalcanal Province Premier Anthony Veke says his government will not accept any proposal to extend town boundaries of Honiara without the consent of its people.

Taxpayers Foot Car Rental Arrangement

Tax-payers will be footing a monthly bill of SBD$56,000 for vehicle rentals following a private arrangement agreed upon by the Prime Minister's Office and East Fataleka MP, Steve Abana.

PM Philip refutes allegations that the NCRA Government has vested interests in certain mining companies.

Axiom KB Must Comply with Our Laws: PM

Prime Minister Danny Philip has warned that it is in the best interest of Axiom Kolosori and Bungusule and both its overseas and local shareholders to follow the directives of the government.

Commemorating International Migratory Birds Day in our Pacific

Today is International Migratory Birds Day, and the Pacific is the place where some of the longest and most spectacular bird migrations take place, although many Pacific islanders these days may not be aware of migrant birds.

Peter Clement and Kukudu clinic officials and the new power unit.

Kukudu Benefits through Generosity

Peter Clement and his wife Kerrie simply could not ignore the plight of the people of Kukudu in the western province of the Solomon Islands when the couple spent five weeks there as part of a voluntary medical mission in 2009.

Prime Minister, Hon. Danny Philip and ROC Ambassador, Roy Wu, at the Handover of National Parliament Office Complex solar project.

Taiwan Funds Parliament Solar Project

The Government of the Republic China has formally handed over funds totaling SB$1.85 million (US$234,000) towards the Solomon Islands National Parliament Office Complex Solar project.

Asia's Booming Economies Need to Tackle Soaring Road Accident Rates - ADB

MANILA, PHILIPPINES -ADB today marked the start of a worldwide Decade of Action for Road Safety with a call for governments to tackle Asia and the Pacific's disproportionately high rate of road fatalities and serious injuries.

SPC and UOG Expand Partnership

he Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC) and the University of Guam (UOG) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to enhance their collaboration.

Pacific ACP Countries and CROP Agencies High Performers Under EDF

PRESS RELEASE (32/11)10th May 2011

The Danny Philip government has come up with a new policy to free up customary lands for economic development in the Solomon Islands, without alienating the traditional owners.

Solomon Islands Undertakes Crucial Land Reforms

Land disputes are seen as major obstacles to development in many Pacific Island states, particularly in the larger Melanesian nations like Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu and Fiji.

European Union Contributes to New International Network on Tropical Root Crops

The European Union (EU) has contributed ?3 million over five years to the newly formed International Network for Edible Aroids (INEA), and the Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC) is one of the project's implementing agencies. INEA is a consortium of scientists and growers from all over the world.

SG Welcomes US President's Decision on Treaty of Rarotonga

PRESS STATEMENT - Friday 6th May 2011 - The Secretary General of the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat, Tuiloma Neroni Slade warmly welcomes United States President Obama's decision to seek Senate consent to ratify the South Pacific Nuclear Free Zone Treaty protocols.

The logging industry contributes well over 30% of the country's GDP.

Illegal Logging a Big Problem: Minister

Solomon Islands Forestry Minister, Bradley Tovosia, says that illegal logging remains a big concern in the country.

Bugotu Landowners Calls for Investigation

The Bugotu Landowners Association, B-L-A, calls on the NCRA Government to immediately appoint a Commissioner to investigate the events surrounding the International Tender, the awarding and subsequent cancellation of a Letter Of Intend to Sumimoto Minerals and Mines.

TSI Commends Government

Transparency Solomon Islands, TSI, has praised the government for taking an important step in building transparency and accountability in the fast growing extractive industry.

NZ Hosts Pacific Regional Counter-Terrorism Exercise

PRESS STATEMENT from the office of New Zealand Foreign Minister, Hon. Murray McCully - Wednesday 4th May 2011 - Foreign Minister, Murray McCully, says a Pacific regional counter-terrorism exercise is being hosted in New Zealand this week.

Korea Signs New $550 Million Cofinancing Agreement with ADB

HA NOI, VIET NAM - The Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Government of the Republic of Korea today signed an agreement to extend and expand Korea's support for ADB development projects in Asia and the Pacific.

Youth Mainstreaming Promoted

The Solomon Islands Ministry of Women, Youth and Children Affairs in collaboration with the Commonwealth Youth Programme Pacific Centre conducted a workshop in preparation for a series of upcoming Provincial Youth Mainstreaming Summits.

Commission Concludes Hearing

The Solomon Islands Truth and Reconciliation Commission has continued collecting evidence about the country's ethnic conflict, with a two-day hearing in Buma village on Malaita Province.

The four students of St. Josephs Tenaru in Lismore.

Opportunity Through Exchange

For four Year 11 teenagers from the Solomon Islands, leaving their home country for the first time and spending a week in Lismore, Australia, comes as a big culture shock.

The Pod Moth could be a potential threat following the destruction of Cocoa Pods in Bougainville.

Border Control Needed Against Pests

Solomon Islands quarantine officials say more border control is needed to prevent a potentially harmful cocoa pest from entering its borders.

Typhoon Ketsana dropped 455 mm - a month's worth - of rain on Metro Manila in the Philippines on 26 September 2009, flooding vast areas, killing hundreds, and stranding thousands.

Asia Must Address Climate Change Impact on Water and Food - ADB Panel

HA NOI, VIET NAM - Climate change will create unprecedented challenges in the Asia-Pacific region in coming years, intensifying existing pressures on water and food supplies, while exacerbating weather related disasters, a panel of experts stressed today.

Expansion of Social Protection is Key to Inclusive Growth, Says Civil Society Panel

Broader social protection will help the poor and vulnerable in Asia and the Pacific to break the cycle of poverty and enhance the quality of the region's economic growth through better employment opportunities, increased productivity, and protection against economic shocks, a panel of experts said today.

Ms Kanoko holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) and Bachelor of Art Degree (Economics) from the University of South Pacific. She has worked with CBSI for over fifteen years.

CBSI Appoints New National Financial Inclusion Unit Manager

The Central Bank of Solomon Islands (CBSI) has announced the appointment of Miss Caroline Kanoko as the first female Manager to head the newly established National Financial Inclusion Unit (NFIU) at the bank.

Green Leaders Spell Out Vision for Next 50 Years

Zurich, April 29th 2011 - A summit of environmental leaders and politicians has called for an urgent move towards a global green economy in order to achieve sustainable development over the next half century.

The porn video is said to have been shot at the popular Bonegi beach, West of Honiara.

RAMSI Says It Could Investigate Porn Video

The Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands, RAMSI says it is prepared to make further inquiries into the pornographic film allegedly involving one of its soldiers and a local teenage female.

EU Announces EU$400,000 Worth of Funding for NGOs

The European Union office in Honiara has called for Non-State Actors in Development in Solomon Islands to submit proposals for grant awards this year.

Prospecting was about to begin in Isabel as revealed by Axiom's CEO.

Mining License Remain Invalid

Solomon Islands Government official, Alfred Sasako, says the suspension of the prospecting license for Australian nickel mining company, Axiom still remains.

Responding to Cybercrime Threats in the Pacific

Wednesday 27 April 2011, Nuku´alofa, Tonga - Threats originating from cybercrime or computer-related crime are just as real to Pacific Island nations as any other country in the world and therefore need to be addressed through appropriate national cybercrime policies and legislation