Politics Archive August 2008

Truth and Reconciliation Commission to be Established

Solomon Islands have now borrowed the South African model to set up a Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) in a bid to address people's traumatic experiences during the five year ethnic conflict on Guadalcanal.

Bill to Prevent Politicians to Cross Floor will be Introduced

The 'Exploring Solutions to Political Instability and Governance in Solomon Islands-Potential for Reform' conference ended with great success on Tuesday.

RAMSI Officer to be Trialed in Honiara

According to Radio New Zealand, the Samoan RAMSI officer who was driving the vehicle that killed 26 year old Hilda Ilabae in June will now have his case heard in Solomon Islands.

Shanel Likely to Loose Parliamentary Seat

The Member of Parliament for Central Guadalcanal, Hon. Peter Shanel is now serving a nine months jail sentence.

Forty Three Candidates Named

Forty three candidates will contest in the two constituency bye-elections on September 23.

Solutions to Political Instability Lies in Working Together

The conference on 'Exploring Solutions to Political Instability and Governance in Solomon Islands-Potential for Reform', was the CNURA government's policy intentions to address the political instability in the country.

HCC Disappointed With NOCSI

The Honiara Town Council has expressed their disappointment over the National Olympic Committee of Solomon Islands (NOCSI) over missing items in the Multipurpose Hall.

Politicians Must Have National Agenda: Nori

As the 'Explore the Solutions to Political Instability and Governance' conference draws to a close today, prominent Solomon Islanders have gathered once again to raise and discuss issues relating to political instability and the lack of good governance in Solomon Islands.

'Solution to Political Instability and Governance' Workshop Begins

A conference to 'Explore the Solutions to Political Instability and Governance' in the Solomon Islands began this morning at the Quality Inn.

Rice Import Bill Exceeds Mark

The Solomon Islands Rice Import Bill will be expected to exceed the two-hundred million dollar mark by the end of 2008 - the highest ever.

Solomon Islanders Encouraged to Make Submissions to Facilitation Act Inquiry

Solomon Islanders are encouraged to make submissions to the inquiry into the Facilitation Act that allows the regional security force, RAMSI, to operate in the country.

Gold Ridge Landowners to be Relocated for Mining

Two sites have been identified to relocate landowners and villagers of Gold Ridge where mining operations will take place.

National Museum Receives Kit to Preserve Artifacts

Yesterday, "The Intangible Cultural Heritage Field Trip Kit" from the National Museum in Australia was handed over to the Solomon Islands National Museum.

Prime Minister Sikua Receives Distinguished Award

According to the University of Waikato News, the Solomon Islands Prime Minister, Dr Derek Sikua has been presented his Distinguished Alumni Award from the University of Waikato, New Zealand.

Customary Land Tenure System an Obstacle to Development

The Customary Land Tenure System is again seen as a constraint to the Government's National Rice Programme.

We Stand by Forum's Decision on Fiji: Sikua

In an interview with Radio New Zealand International, Prime Minister, Dr Derek Sikua, says the threat to suspend Suva from the Pacific Islands Forum is supported by all the Pacific countries, including those from Melanesia.

Youths Appreciate Gender Balance Workshop

A week long 'Gender Balance' workshop was held last week in Honiara where twelve youths participated in.

Opportunities for Parliamentary Motions Often Wasted

The private member's motion to have been moved last Friday by the Member of Parliament for Temotu Nende, Hon. Patteson Oti, was withdrawn and instead will be tabled this Friday, the 29th.

Removal of Difficult Airline Passenger Training Conducted

The RAMSI Participating Police Force (PPF) advisors along with counterparts, the SIPF officers conducted a joint training on Friday.

Lack of Focus on Basic Education a Concern

An Opposition Member of Parliament has raised concerns over the Government's focus on tertiary education.

Guadalcanal Youth Forum to be Organized

The Provincial Government of Guadalcanal will be conducting a Guadalcanal Province Youth Policy Forum for youths.

Solomons to Have Youth Parliament

Solomon Islands will have their first National Youth Parliament in either March or April 2009.

Good Number of Candidates to Contest in Bye-Elections

So far, eighteen people have submitted their nominations to the two Returning Officers for the bye-elections in Lau/Mbaelelea and East Honiara Constituencies.

Premier Irosaea Has Regained Support

The political row in Malaita is finally over, as according to the Malaita Premier, Richard Na'amo Irosaea.

Murder Case in Makira Still being Investigated

Police are still undergoing serious investigations on that of a woman found dead along a road track close to the Marapui village, Rawo District in Makira Province.

More Names for Oustanding Warrants to be Released

Acting Police Commissioner Peter Marshall, in a Press Conference yesterday, stated that a good number of people have responded to publicized names of outstanding arrest warrants.

Police Minister Condemns Attack on Police Station

The Solomon Islands Minister for Police, National Security and Correctional Services, Hon. Samuel Manetoali, has spoken out against the recent arson attack on the Kakabona police station.

Solomons Exclusion from Seasonal Labour Scheme Explained

Solomon Islands and other Pacific Islands except Kiribati, Tonga, Papua New Guinea, and Vanuatu were excluded from the three year Pilot Phase of the Australian Seasonal Labour Scheme.

Prime Minister Sikua Meets with Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd

Prime Minister Derek Sikua met with counterpart Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd prior to the Pacific Forum Leaders Meeting in Alofi, Niue.

Japan Ensures Continuous Support to Solomon Islands

Yesterday in a 'Presentation of Credentials' visit to the Governor General's residence, Japanese Ambassador, Hajime Nishiyama expresses gratitude from the Japanese Emperor for the close relationship between the Solomon Islands and Japan.

New Zealand Will Formally Include Solomons in Seasonal Work Scheme

The official opening of the 39th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders meeting took place yesterday in Alofi, Niue. Prior to the meeting, the Solomon Islands Prime Minister, Dr. Derek Sikua had a number of bilateral meetings, two of which were with the Prime Ministers of New Zealand and Australia.

Governor General Speaks Highly of Relations with Japan

This morning, the visiting Japanese Ambassador based in Papua New Guinea, His Excellency Hajame Nishiyama presented his credentials to the Solomon Islands Governor General Sir Nathaniel Waena at the Government house.

Sogavare Questions Legality of $100,000

The leader of the Opposition, Hon. Sogavare has questioned the legality of the $100,000 the Government has paid into each Parliamentary Member's RCDF accounts.

More Resignation From Malaita Government

Two more Malaita Provincial Members have resigned from the Malaita Provincial Government.

Trade Disputes Panel Receive Training

Yesterday the office of the Trade Disputes Panel in conjunction with the Commissioner of Labor organized a workshop on the 'Rules and Procedures on the Trade Dispute Panel.'

Publicized Arrest Warrants Praised

Many members of the public have agreed to the publicized names of the outstanding warrants by the police.

Package for Ex-Combatants Rehabilitation Yet To Be Revealed

The package for the rehabilitation of ex-combatants and the time frame for the settlement of the package are yet to be revealed.

Seven Malaita Provincial Members Resign

Seven Provincial Members from the Malaita Province yesterday resigned from duties.

Solomons Not Ready for Local Police Commissioner

The Solomon Islands Police Force is not yet ready to have a local Police Commissioner.

Parliament Debates Supplementary Appropriation Bill

The National Parliament will start the debate on the 2008 Supplementary Appropriation Bill today.

Media Visits RAMSI Base

This morning, the Solomon Islands Media were invited to the most restricted compound in the Solomon Islands- the RAMSI Base at the Guadalcanal Beach Resort.

Prem. Irosaea Calls For More Government Support

Malaita Premier, Richard Irosaea has expressed concern about budgetary support from the National Government, towards national projects earmarked for Malaita, such as the Auluta Oil Palm Project, the Bina Harbour Industrial site proposal and the proposed Fisheries Centre at Suava Bay on North Malaita.

More Names with Arrest Warrants

This morning, Solomon Times produced 81 names of people with arrest warrants from the police. These are the other 81 names of people.

Nightclub Incidents Cause Police to Tighten Security

Police Officers on night patrol will now tighten security around night club areas, following the incidents where few night club goers were attacked.

Oustanding Arrest Warrants Released

Information has been provided to the media, to assist in locating persons against whom a warrant has been issued for their arrest.

Investigation into Burnt Kakabona Police Post Continues

In a Press Conference this morning, Provincial Police Commander, Chief Superintendent, George Guna revealed that the investigation into the burnt Kakabona Police Post is still underway.

Investigation into RAMSI Crash Continues

It has been revealed that a total of 70 people have been interviewed regarding the crash by two Samoan RAMSI Officers.

Review of '1987 National Disaster Management Plan' Begins

Today, the Solomon Islands National Disaster Management Office (NDMO) began a two day workshop to discuss preparatory interventions for the review of the National Disaster Management Plan 1987.

Malaita Celebrates Second Appointed Day

Malaita Province has come out in full force to the Provincial Capital of Auki, over the week, following the 25th Anniversary of the Malaita Second Appointed Day on Friday the 15th.

PM Adjourns Parliament for Friday 15th

Solomon Islands Prime Minister, Dr. Derek Sikua, yesterday adjourned the Parliament meeting for Friday the 15th of August.

MP Shanel, Guilty on Two Charges

The Honiara Magistrates Court, found the Parliament Member for Central Guadalcanal, Peter Shanel, guilty on two criminal charges.

Misinformation on RAMSI Immunity

The Acting Police Commissioner, Peter Marshall, has described as misinformed comments, public perceptions which have been expressed by individuals both in Parliament and in the media that RAMSI officers and personnel are provided blanket immunity cover by the Facilitation of International Assistance Act (FIAA).

SI to Set Up High Commission Office in Suva

The Solomon Islands will soon open up a High Commission Office in Suva, Fiji.

'Sogavare Points Out True Concerns' Says Citizen

Members of the public, who have been following the parliamentary debates and the Motion of No Confidence said that they agree with some points raised by the Opposition Leader, Hon. Sogavare.

New Gov't Initiative for Youths

During his key note address at the 'International Youth Day', Hon Gordon Darcy, Minister for Environment, Conservation and Meteorology, stated that the government is looking into a new ideal proposition, called the 'Solomon Islands Youth Initiative on Climate Change' (SIYICC).

GG Declares Bye-Election Date

Solomon Islands Governor-General, Sir Nathaniel Waena, has appointed a date for the National Parliament Bye-Elections in the Lau/Mbaelelea and East Honiara Electoral Constituencies.

Kakabona Police Post Burnt Down

In the early hours of Friday morning, residents of Kakabona woke to a burning Police post.

Youths Clean Up Honiara

Honiara youths, last weekend, went around, cleaning the city as part of their programme to mark the International Youth Day on the theme, "Youth and Climate Change - Time for action".

CYP Calls For Youth Support From Authorities

To mark International Youth Day, Commonwealth Youth Programme South Pacific (CYPSP) Regional Director Ms Afu Billy writes on why we should be working with young people to create better futures for all.

PM Says Motion Never Was for People

Prior to the vote, the Prime Minister stated that the Motion of No Confidence was "not in the interest of the people" of Solomon Islands.

PMCT Draft Policy Reviewed

Ministry Of Health's HIV Department along with SIPPA together with the Save the Children, Australia facilitated a three day workshop on HIV which ended today.

NDC to Review Disaster Plan and Act

The National Disaster Council will hold a two-day workshop next week for Government Ministries, churches, Non Government Organisations, Corporate companies, Development partners and Provincial Governments to review the 1987 National Disaster Plan and the1989 National Disaster Act.

MOTION DEFEATED BY 39 VOTES

The Motion of No Confidence which has been debated since 9.30 am this morning has been defeated by 39 votes.

Sogavare Says He Speaks For All People

The Motion of No Confidence is currently being debated in Parliament and already nearing to the end of the day, the vote has not yet been taken.

Investigation into Fatal Accident Involving RAMSI Continues

The investigation of the fatal accident, involving two off duty RAMSI officers, is still under way in the country.

Security Tightens as Solomon Islands Awaits Motion

Prime Minister, Dr. Derek Sikua is confident with the number of support from the Members of Parliament. The number of Members of Parliament supporting Dr. Derek Sikua is said to stand at 40.

Speech Competition Prior to International Youth Day

This week, the International Youth Day organizers, have been holding speech competitions at the Honiara City Council conference room.

New Police Database to be Introduced

Acting Director for Police Prosecution, Mr. George Ofu, today, in a Press Conference, told the media about an arrest warrant database, that will soon be introduced.

TSI Commends Appointment of New Ombudsman

Transparency Solomon Islands (TSI), would like to congratulate the Office of the Ombudsman, on the appointment of a new Ombudsman, Mr Joe Poraiwai.

Commissioner Marshall Reassures Public over Demonstration Rumours

Rumors of a possible demonstration are circulating around town making locals take extra precautions, as the country awaits another Motion of No Confidence.

PM Recieves Report into April Riots

After many months of Inquiry to the April Riots, Prime Minister, Dr.Derek Sikua has recieved the final report of the event from the Commission of Inquiry.

MASI Comments on Refused Entry at RAMSI Base

The Media Association of Solomon Islands (MASI) expressed disappointment after its members were barred from covering the Duke of Gloucester's visit to the RAMSI military Headquarter on Tuesday.

Rise in Road Accidents

Despite much attempt by the Kukum Traffice Police, the Road Toll continues to rise and is now standing at six.

ROC Medical Team Brings Joy

The people of East Guadalcanal were treated to a visit from the Taiwan Mobile Medical Mission at the Good Samaritan Hospital at 10.30 am this morning.

ROC Donates Equipment to Good Samaritan Hospital

Taiwan Ambassador, His Excellency George Chan officially donated a computer and a microscope to the Good Samaritan Hospital in East Guadalcanal this morning.

RAMSI congratulates the Cook Islands

RAMSI says meitaki ma'ata - thank you very much - to the Cook Islands on the occasion of their National Day.

Solomon Islands Bids Farewell to Royals

The four day visit of the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester came to an end today as the Solomon Islands dignitaries and hundreds of locals bid farewell to the Royal couple at 10am this morning.

RAMSI Clarifies Misunderstanding at GBR

Members of the media were yesterday denied access into RAMSI headquarters at the Guadalcanal Beach Resort (GBR), during the visit of the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester and the Governor General.

Working Without Safety Equipments a Concern

The Solomon Islands National Union of Workers has shown concern for members of the public working without safety equipments.

Duchess of Gloucester visits Children's Ward

The National Referral Hospital was treated to a Royal visit when the Duchess of Gloucester yesterday paid a visit to the Children's ward.

Duke of Gloucester addresses the Parliament

The Duke of Gloucester yesterday paid a visit to the Solomon Islands National Parliament where he was invited to address the Members of Parliament.

Successful Royal Visit Despite Downpour

A large crowd gathered today at the Guadalcanal Plains Palm Oil Limited in East Guadalcanal to witness the visit of the Duke of Gloucester to the Oil Palm Factory, despite the heavy downpour.

Duke of Gloucester visits GPPOL and RAMSI Base

The Duke of Gloucester paid a visit to the Guadalcanal Plains Palm Oil Limited (GPPOL) this morning, followed by a visit to the RAMSI base.

Students Studying in PNG to Increase

The Government is planning to increase the number of Solomon Islands students studying in PNG institutions in 2009, with UniTech expected to again host the largest number of students.

Royal Glimpse, Chance of a Life Time

With a second Royal visit in 30 years, many members of the public would never miss an opportunity to catch a glimpse of the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester. An opportunity that may only come once.

ROC Medical Team to Visit 'Good Samaritan Hospital'

Upon their return from the Western province, the Taiwanese Mobile Medial Mission will be paying a visit to the 'Good Samaritan Hospital' in Guadalcanal.

Parade Held for Visiting Royals

A parade was held at the Lawson Tama this morning to honour the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester and to commemorate the 30th Independence Anniversary of the Solomon Islands.

Security for Royal Visit a Success

Security provided for the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester proved to be a success during their arrival yesterday, Sunday 3rd of August, at the Henderson Airport.

Fact Sheet on the Duke of Gloucester

Born in 1944, The Duke of Gloucester is the second son of the late Duke of Gloucester and the late Princess Alice, Duchess of Gloucester.