Latest News Archive September 2011
Rugby Sevens to Resume Preparation for Oceania
With Solomon Islands confirmed to compete in the Oceania Sevens the Coach and Management of the national Sevens squad are resuming their selection and training program.
RAMSI and Government Talk Transition with Makira
Officials from the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF), RAMSI and Solomon Islands Government today met with the Premier of Makira-Ulawa Province, Thomas Weape to discuss the next phase of RAMSI's work in Solomon Islands.
MASI Condemns Threat to Local Paper
The Media Association of Solomon Islands (MASI) has denounced a SB$75, 000 compensation demand on the Island Sun newspaper by supporters of West Honiara Member of Parliament Namson Tran Thursday last week.
Government Shows Support to Gao-Bugotu Festival
The Solomon Islands Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Home Affairs Hon. Manasseh Maelanga has assured the nation that the ruling NCRA government will continue to advocate and support the preservation and promotion of our cultural practices - many of which are at risk of disappearing.
PM Seeks Bipartisan Approach
The Solomon Islands Prime Minister, Hon. Danny Philip has agreed to extend an invitation to the Leader of Opposition for a bipartisan approach to strengthen political integrity and stability in the country.
Helping our Pacific People Adapt
'Positive impacts upon the livelihoods of the Pacific people' was one of the major highlights in the Pacific Adaptation to Climate Change (PACC) Project side event held 22nd Meeting of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme in Apia, Samoa.
Solomon Islands' Police call for calm on Weathercoast
The Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) is calling on people along the country's Weathercoast to remain calm as policing responsibility in the region changes.
Water Project Reaches the Province
A water facility project will be launched in Honiara this afternoon by the Solomon Islands Government, the European Union and UNICEF.
National Development Strategy to be launched
The Ministry of Development Planning and Aid Coordination will today officially launch the country's National Development Strategy.
PAC Has the Mandate: Wale
The Parliamentary Public Accounts Committee (PAC) says it is mandated to look into public expenditure and public resources and assets.
POETCom Invited to the 42nd Forum Meeting in Auckland
The Pacific Organic and Fair Trade Community (POETCom) was present at the Pacific Island Forum Leaders 42nd meeting, held on 6-9 September, 2011 in Auckland, New Zealand.
Improved Regional Pesticides Management
Niue is to have its pesticide contaminated soil removed as part of a project on "Improved regional pesticides management", between the Food and Agriculture Organisation and the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP).
SPC Supports Capacity Building for Forestry Sector in the Pacific Region
'Capacity building is essential if Pacific Islands are to meet the challenges of sustainable forest resource management.'
Dolphin Study to Proceed
Ocean Park is pressing ahead with controversial research into bottle-nose dolphin populations in and around the Solomon Islands, but insists it will not capture wild mammals from the area.
KGA Spreads Message with SB$20 Million Funding Support
The Kastom Garden Association (KGA) and the Australia Government have signed a three year agreement that will provide thousands of families throughout the country with improved varieties of food crops and advice on effective farming methods and family nutrition.
Foreign Minister Presents Before UN Human Rights Council
Solomon Islands Minister for Foreign Affairs and External Trade, Hon. Peter Shanel Agovaka MP, has presented the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) on Solomon Islands before the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) in Geneva, Switzerland on Wednesday 21st September 2011.
NOCSI Called to Resolve Theft Issues
The National Olympic Solomon Islands (NOCSI) is facing possible suspension from the Oceania National Olympic Committee and the International Olympic Committee should the outstanding theft of NOCSI office items at Multi-purpose Hall remain unsolved.
Solomon Islander Takes up Top MSG Post
Peter Forau of Solomon Islands is now the new Director General of the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) Secretariat.
Independence of Trade Office Required
Solomon Islands says that the independence and integrity of the Pacific's Trade Advisory Office is a priority for the region and should not be undermined by Australian funding decisions.
Malaita Premier Explains Deputy's Sacking
The Solomon Islands Malaita Premier Edwin Suibaea stated that the decision to sack the former Deputy Premier of the Province has been described as timely and a step in the right direction.
Airlines Loan Clarified
The Solomon Islands, Finance Minister, Hon. Gordon Darcy Lilo has confirmed that he has revoked his earlier approval of a loan to purchase a Dash-8 aircraft.
Isabel to Hold Cultural Festival
People of Gao-Bugotu Constituency in Isabel Province are bracing for their first ever Cultural Festival at Huali Village coming Monday on the theme "Know you culture, know your future".
More Joins Church After Outreach
In the largest Seventh-day Adventist baptism in Solomon Islands history, hundreds of people joined the church during a public outreach series this month by evangelist John Carter.
SPC Organises Workshop on REDD+ Readiness in the Pacific
Sustainable use and management of forests and tree resources will remain an important focus of the Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC) Land Resources Division (LRD) for the foreseeable future.
Solomon Islands to Increase Log Values
The Solomon Islands Minister for Finance and Treasury, Hon Gordon Darcy Lilo, yesterday announced that the government has agreed to increase the determined value of logs to ensure it matches with the international prices our logs are receiving in the world markets.
Solomon Mission Opens in Geneva
Solomon Islands Minister of Foreign Affairs and External Trade, Hon. Peter Shanel Agovaka, has officially opened the Solomon Islands Permanent Mission to the United Nations Office and other International organizations in Geneva, Switzerland.
SPC and Pitcairn Islands: Securing Reliable Water Supplies for Pitcairn Islanders
Pitcairn Islanders are experiencing longer, more severe periods of drought.
Correctional Service to Commence Policy Reviews
The Solomon Islands Ministry of Police, National Security and Correctional Services say it will look at reviewing the Correctional Services Act that governs appointments of members to the parole board.
Taiwan Donation a Boost to Health Services
Taiwan's Department of Health (DOH) on Monday pledged to donate customized medical equipment to the Solomon Islands, to help combat the high maternal and newborn death rates in the island country.
Dialogue Further Strengthens Relationship
The initial bilateral consultation on the Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement (IPPA) between the Governments of Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands was held this month in Port Moresby from 12-13 September 2011.
Apologies on False Allegations Rendered
The Solomon Islands Ministry of Finance and Treasury deeply regret and wish to apologize to the European Union (EU) for the false allegation made on its funds on the building of 50 new houses at Noro in the Western Province.
Pacific NCD Crisis
An epidemic of chronic lifestyle diseases such as diabetes, heart failure and cancer is undermining economic development and has placed the region in 'an NCD crisis', Pacific Islands Forum leaders have declared.
Police Top Post Soon to be Filled
The shortlisting of candidates for the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) top post has been concluded.
Former Deputy Premier of Malaita Justifies Allegations
The recently ousted Deputy Premier of Malaita province has called on members of the Malaita provincial assembly to make a change for the sake of the people.
Form Five Students Begin Exams
Throughout the country, the Form five students in Secondary Schools have yesterday, begun their Solomon Islands School Certificate (SISC) examinations.
Clean Up Day a Success
On Saturday 17 September, staff of the Australian High Commission in Solomon Islands were joined by local volunteers in an extraordinary effort to protect and improve the environment for future generations.
Peace Stakeholder Dialogue Begins
The Solomon Islands Ministry of National Unity, Reconciliation and Peace (MNURP) will for the first time hold a Peace Stakeholders Dialogue starting today and ending on the 22nd.
Australia's Human Rights Grants Now Open
The Australian High Commission in the Solomon Islands has announced that Australia's Human Rights Grants Scheme (HRGS) 2011-12 is now open for applications.
Honiara to Host Correctional Women's Conference
Solomon Islands will this week for the first time host the Pacific Islands Correctional Women's Conference.
Vanuatu Livestock Sector Adapts to Climate Change Using Seasonal Forecasts
Climate change is affecting Vanuatu's livestock sector.
Ministry of Health to Build Provincial Capacity
The Solomon Islands Ministry of Health and Medical services says it has begun working on a policy change to increase the capacity of provincial health services in the country.
Fiji to Offer Air Traffic Training
Airports Fiji Limited will now provide training for Solomon Islands air traffic controllers and other personnel involved in managing air space.
MOU on Seasonal Workers Submitted
The Australian High Commission has submitted a draft Memorandum of Understanding to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs a week after Australia's recent announcement of including Solomon Islands in it's Seasonal Worker Pilot Scheme.
RAMSI Withdrawal A Long Term Process
The Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands, RAMSI, has revealed that it will be withdrawing it's personnel from provincial police posts around the country over the next two years.
New Campus to Open Opportunities
The Solomon Islands Government has announced its plans to establish a Canadian Education Campus to provide Solomon Islanders with qualifications to work in Canada and in other countries.
Police Resolve Issues on Leketo Arrest
The Solomon Islands Acting Commissioner of Police, Walter Kola says the Police have resolved issues with the Truth and Reconciliation Commission over the arrest of former Black Shark militant, Samson Leketo.
Exciting Voyage Begins for Special Students
There were teary farewells and excitement in the air at the Bundaberg Railway Station yesterday as 24 Bundaberg Special School students boarded the train on the first leg of their adventure to the Solomon Islands.
UNICEF Assists with Birth Registration
The United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund or UNICEF has launched a campaign to register all births in Solomon Islands by 2015.
Combining Strength as a Way Forward
Six local NGOs and AusAID have presented a strong and united message to the Solomon Islands government and the development community that working together and using a strength-based approach can bring about more sustainable development.
Investigation Continues over Grueling Death
The Royal Solomon Islands Police (RSIPF) in Lata, Temotu Province, have confirmed finding the body of a male child with his head missing in Nambalve Village, in Santa Cruz island.
Assistance Promised for Residents to Return
Australia's Prime Minister Julia Gillard has promised to provide air tickets for the Solomon Islanders living illegally in Australia to enable them to return home.
New Scheme Well Received
Positive response has been received from Solomon Islands to news that its workers can now be employed on Australian farms through the new Seasonal workers scheme.
'Writeshop' Accelerates Pacific HIV Law Reform
High Level representatives from the Justice, Health and Civil Society Organizations from Cook Islands, Fiji, Kiribati, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Tuvalu and Vanuatu gather in Nadi to share their experience on human rights compliant HIV Policies and Laws.
Climate Change Threatens to Increase Hunger in the Pacific - ADB Report
MANILA, PHILIPPINES - Climate change threatens to increase hunger and malnutrition among the Pacific region's poorest people unless there is action soon, says a new report from the Asian Development Bank (ADB).
Reviving the Cattle Industry?
Four hundred heads of cattle are due to arrive in the country next month, says Agriculture Permanent Secretary, John Harunari.
Pacific Environment Forum Opens in Samoa
12th September, 2011 - The very first Pacific Environment Forum opened in Samoa today, drawing upon the expertise and experience of Pacific environment workers to discuss three vital issues of importance for our region.
Environment on High Agenda for Western
Premier of Western Province, George Lilo has commended the Solomon Islands nine provincial premiers on their commitment to the Western Province's Environment Week by discussing environmental governance during the Premier's Roundtable Forum Meeting this week.
Athlete Showing Symptoms of Swine Flu
Five athletes have been admitted at the National Referral hospital after contracting a viral infection in New Caledonia during the Pacific Games.
Oti Appointed High Commissioner to Fiji
Cabinet has appointed its Special Envoy to the Melanesian Spearhead Group, Patteson Oti as the country's new High Commissioner to Fiji.
Non-Communicable Diseases Remains a Threat
While at their retreat in Auckland last week, Solomon Islands together with other Forum Leaders have declared that the 'Pacific is in a Non-Communicable Diseases (NCD) crisis'.
Tokelau and the Secretariat of the Pacific Community Sign Joint Country Strategy
On 6 September Tokelau and the Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC) signed a joint country strategy (JCS).
Manetoali Congratulates Solomon Airlines on New Aircraft
Culture and Tourism Minister Samuel Manetoali says it is "a great privilege to own and operate a sizable aircraft."
Solomon Airlines Concludes Proving Flights
Solomon Airlines has concluded a series of proving flights to neighboring Melanesian countries.
Pacific Environment at the Heart of Four Day Discussions
The very first Pacific Environment Forum hosted by the Secretariat of the Pacific Environment Programme (SPREP) will take place on Monday.
Animal Welfare Group Warns Against Dolphin Export
Animal Welfare Institute (AWI) has issued a stern warning that they would not allow the proposed export of 25 live bottle-nose dolphins from Solomon Islands to enter China.
Government Stands by Decision to Export Dolphin
Recent media outbursts by Earth Island Institute and China Animals Welfare Committee will not deter the decision by the Government to implement its policy on the export of wildlife.
Police Head Clarifies Arrest of Leketo
Acting Police Commissioner Walter Kola has clarified why he ordered the arrest of Samson Leketo at Taro, Choiseul province last week.
RAMSI Withdrawal Must be Slow and Gradual: Shanel
Solomon Islands Foreign Minister Peter Shanel is hopeful the country will be able to cope should RAMSI forces withdraw, but says the "departures must be slow and gradual."
Shape Up or Ship Out: Aqorau
The Head of the Parties to the Nauru Agreement (PNA) Secretariat, Dr Transform Aqorau, has issued a stern warning to fishing companies who refuse to work with the PNA in implementing some its stringent conservation and management measures.
United States, SPC and SPREP Announce Climate Adaptation Partnerships
Partnerships are part of larger $21 million US Government adaptation programme in Pacific Small Island Developing States
Solomon Islands Bonito Gear Up for Finals
Hosts New Caledonia will take on the hugely confident Solomon Islands. The Solomon Islands have an uphill battle although they will be confident knowing that they defeated New Caledonia just days before.
Joint Statement by UN Secretary General and Pacific Leaders
Pacific Island Forum (PIF) Leaders and the Secretary-General of the United Nations (UN)met on 7 September 2011 during the 42nd Pacific Islands Forum in Auckland, NewZealand.
Solomon Islands Included in Seasonal Workers Pilot Scheme
Prime Minister Julia Gillard today announced that Nauru, Samoa, Solomon Islands and Tuvalu have been invited to join the Pacific Seasonal Worker Pilot Scheme.
Solomon Airlines Gets CASA Approval
Solomon Airlines announced today that CASA Australia (Civil Aviation Safety Authority) has finally approved their FAOC (Foreign Air Operators Certificate) application which now gives them their operating licence to commence scheduled flights to and from Brisbane.
EPA with EU: Push Forward as One Region, Urge Leaders
PRESS STATEMENT [Auckland, New Zealand, Wednesday 7th September 2011] Pacific ACP Leaders have called for continued negotiations on a comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) with the European Union as a single region with the support from the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat.
SPC and SPREP Sign MOU
Pacific island leaders today witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) by the Chief Executive Officers of two key intergovernmental technical agencies. The MOU will strengthen commitment to collaboration and partnership for sustainable development in the Pacific Island region.
SINTA and Public Sector Unions sign Agreement with Government
After weeks of negotiations, the Government, SINTA and Public Sector Unions have finally signed a Memorandum of agreement (MOA) for a four percent Cost of Living Adjustment Allowance (COLA) increase.
Fiji and Solomon Islands Face off in Semis
Fiji and Solomon Islands, two traditional footballing giants of the Oceania region, will face off in Lifou, a provincial town outside of Noumea, New Caledonia.
Amnesty Releases Scathing Report on Solomon Islands
An Amnesty International report has revealed that women in the Solomon Islands are routinely raped and abused when walking from city settlements in search of clean water.
WHO Calls for United Action to Combat HIV/AIDS
BUSAN, Republic of Korea, 5 September 2011-"Diverse Voices, United Action" was the rallying cry at the recently concluded 10th International Congress on AIDS in Asia and the Pacific held in Busan, Republic of Korea.
TRC Seeks Clarification over Interference
The Truth and Reconciliation Commission says it will seek an explanation from responsible authorities on why a participant in one if it's closed hearings in Taro, Choiseul Province, was arrested last Friday.
RAMSI Disrespectful Towards Governor General's Residence
The Government House says it is disappointed over how RAMSI Police Officers carried out an advance security check at the Governor General's premises last Thursday.
Fairfax Rates Solomon Gold as a "Buy"
Investment bank Fairfax believes that shares in Solomon Gold rate as a 'buy' based on the firm's two-pronged exploration strategy.
UN Secretary General in Kiribati Reaffirms Climate Change Commitment
"Many countries are dealing with climate change. But here, climate change threatens your territory, your culture and your very way of life."
Marles Promotes UN Cooperation on Pacific Visit
Regional security and climate change are high on the agenda for the visit by Parliamentary Secretary for Pacific Island Affairs Richard Marles to Solomon Islands and Kiribati this week.
UN Leader: Solomon Island Can Lead in Ending Violence Against Women
United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon says Solomon Islands can lead the Pacific by example on human rights issues and ending violence against women.
Media Important at Forum Leaders' Meeting
PRESS RELEASE - 4th September 2011 - The media has a very important role to play at the annual Pacific Islands Forum Leaders' meetings.
Another Planned Dolphin Export?
More than twenty bottlenose dolphins worth millions of dollars will be exported out of the country on Tuesday this week - destined for China.
UN Chief Highlights Climate Change in Solomon Visit
United Nations chief Ban Ki-moon says he has seen firsthand the need for urgent action on climate change after visiting the remote Solomon Islands.
Global HIV/AIDS Forum Hears Pacific Voices on AIDS Response in the Region
Pacific Islanders attending the second largest international forum on HIV/AIDS are using the forum to highlight the successes and challenges of responding to HIV/AIDS in the region.
TSI Investigates Taiwanese Scholarship Awards
The country's anti-corruption watchdog Transparency Solomon Islands (TSI)says children of Solomon Islands politicians are being granted coveted Taiwanese scholarships even though they do not meet entry requirements.
Unions Agree on 4% COLA Award
Parties to the industrial dispute between Public sector unions and the government have resolved their differences by agreeing to a four per cent increase in the Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) demanded by the unions.
Marshallese Women Develop Political Skills
PRESS RELEASE - 30th August 2011
Rugby 7s: Solomon Islands beat Vanuatu
Solomon Islands have started off strongly in the rugby 7s competition at the SPG.
Taiwan Releases More Funds for Development
Ambassador of the Republic of China, Taiwan to Solomon Islands Roy Wu has released SB$14 million dollars towards assisting development in 47 constituencies of the country.
Allied Gold Extends Exploration on Gold Ridge
Ongoing exploration at Allied Gold's Gold Ridge mine in the Solomon Islands confirms extensions of gold mineralization in the Charivunga area, between the four currently defined Gold Ridge pits.
MSG Seeks Removal of Slade
Fiji's call for the removal of the Pacific Islands Forum Secretary-General Tuiloma Neroni Slade has been unanimously endorsed by Melanesian countries.