Latest News Archive May 2009
Amnesty International Report Highlights Issues in 3 Pacific Nations
The Amnesty International report for 2009 has highlighted some human rights issues in the region, mainly in Fiji, Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands.
Abana Highlights Importance of Climate Change to Solomon Islands
Minister of Planning Hon. Steve Abana has underscored the importance of climate change and its impact on Pacific ACP States, especially Solomon Islands.
Salvation Army Hands Over Buildings to Paeloge Tsunami Victims
The Salvation Army of Papua New Guinea has officially delivered 15 houses to families who lost their homes during the unfortunate 2007 April 2 tsunami disaster.
Solomon Islands Welcomes New Deputy Commissioner of Police
The new Deputy Commissioner of the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force Wayne Buchhorn was sworn in to office and warmly welcomed by the RSIPF Executive.
Asia Tour a Success: Sikua
Prime Minister Dr Derek Sikua said his 25-day tour of three Asian countries was a success.
Solomon Airlines and Air Niugini Agree on Revised Terms of Code-Share Agreement
Solomon Airlines and Air Niugini have agreed on a revised Terms of Code-Share Agreement to and from Fiji.
Pacific Islands and the Clean Development Mechanism
Press Release - Bringing the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) closer to the homes of Pacific islanders is one of the key happenings at a gathering in Fiji this week.
Quick Response by Fire Crew Saves Kindergarten
Rapid response by Royal Solomon Islands Police Force's Fire Services helped save the YWCA kindergarten building from total destruction yesterday afternoon.
Couple Arrested as Police Declare War on Kwaso
Police have arrested a man and his wife at Mbokona heights for brewing kwaso at their home, after Police gathered information on the illegal activities and raided their property.
Two Men Arrested at Tetere Kwaso Raid
Police yesterday raided a private residence at Soso village at Tetere and arrested two men aged in their 30s for illegally brewing the home brewed liquor, Kwaso.
Health Minister Recovering Well at Saint Vincent Hospital
The Minister of Health and Medical Services, Hon. Martin Maga is reported to be recovering well at Saint Vincent Hospital in Sydney, Australia.
Look Out for Fake Notes: CBSI
The Central Bank of Solomon Islands, CBSI, says it strongly believes a number of fake one hundred dollar and fifty dollar local notes are circulating in the country.
Liquor and Cigarettes Seized from Foreign Fishing Vessel
A joint patrol by law enforcement agencies to tackle illegal activities on Honiara harbour led to the seizure of a large quantity of liquor and cigarettes yesterday morning at Point Cruz harbour.
Man Refused Bail on Money Laundering Case
A West Guadalcanal man was today refused bail and remanded in custody for another fortnight after appearing in Honiara Magistrate's Court over money laundering offences.
Alert for A/H1N1 Flu Continues for Region as Numbers Rise
The region is still increasingly at risk of the A/H1N1 flu, otherwise known as Swine Flu, as confirmed cases increase around the world, especially in countries with links to the region.
No Laws to Deal With HIV and AIDS
As the country faces the real possibility of a rise in HIV-positive cases next year, Solomon Islands is still without specific laws to deal with HIV and AIDS prevention and management.
Managing Chemicals in Kiribati
Press Release - A chemicals management monitoring and evaluation project in Kiribati has been completed by the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP).
Killing the Ocean
World Ocean Conference and Coral Triangle Initiative participants should urgently consider nutrient pollution is killing coral as photographic evidence indicates, not CO<sup style='color: black'>2</sup> induced climate change. Wrong diagnosis can be fatal.
ACP Council Gets Underway
The 89th Session ACP Council of Ministers opened today with the second five-yearly revision of the Cotonou Agreement with the European Union, the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPAs), and threats of the financial crisis to ACP member states, among the major issues to be discussed.
PM Sikua Seeks More Funding Assistance from Japan
Prime Minister Dr Derek Sikua has requested the Japanese government to consider funding more projects in tertiary education, renewable energy and mining sectors under its next funding cycle.
Solomon Islands Joins Global Day of Prayer
Christians in Solomon Islands have been invited to participate in the Global Day of Prayer this coming Sunday, 31st May.
Gela Communities Miserable Over Fishing Projects
Communities on Gela Islands in the Central Islands Province are demanding answers from responsible government authorities after their fishing project applications were unsuccessful.
Central Islanders Want Additional Constituencies
Leaders and people of Central Islands Province have called on responsible National Government authorities to create two additional constituencies to help address inadequacies in the distribution of government funded projects in the province.
People Fear Being Caught on the Internet in Fiji
People in Fiji are reportedly in fear of being caught using the internet because they fear being accused of reading anti-government blog sites.
Prominent Lawyer Taken to Court
Prominent Honiara lawyer and owner of A and A Legal Services, Charles Ashley is facing two lawsuits for allegedly swindling more than SBD$ 2 million dollars of trust funds belonging to former clients.
Police Appeal for Eyewitnesses to Rape
The RSIPF Sexual Assault unit is appealing to the public for eyewitnesses, to the alleged rape of a 19 year old student near the Chinatown Bridge around 7pm on Friday.
ADB and World Bank Pledge Funding Support for Solomon Island
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the World Bank have pledged to provide funding support to Solomon Islands to address budgetary and balance of payment challenges attributed to the impacts of the global economic crisis.
OCTA Extremely Important in PACER Plus Negotiations: Director Trade
"The office of the Chief Trade Advisor (OCTA) will be extremely important to us, not just during negotiations, but in helping us to get ready for PACER Plus," Director of Trade Heinz Vaekesa said after returning from a recent trip to Vanuatu.
ADB Regional Strategy Needs to be Consistent with Pacific Plan
Press Statement - Pacific Developing Member Countries (PDMCs) of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) have called on the ADB to review its Pacific Strategy in line with the Pacific Plan.
PM Sikua Meets Japanese Leaders
Prime Minister Derek Sikua and delegation yesterday in Tokyo met with various Japanese leaders of the Japan-Solomon Islands Friendship Association.
Fiji Police Detain Lawyers Over Blogs
Three lawyers were detained by Fiji police earlier in the week over allegations that they were responsible for contributing to some of the blogs that have risen since the coup.
Police Target Kwaso and Weapons in the Streets
The Royal Solomon Islands Police have warned they will be targeting the illegal trade and drinking of kwaso as well as people going armed in public without lawful cause.
Family Seek SBD$200,000 Compo
The family of the Late Billy Toito'ona, who was stabbed to death last weekend, has demanded SBD$200,000 in compensation for the fatal incident.
RAMSI to Build 200 New Houses for Police
The Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands (RAMSI) is to build 200 houses for the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) over the next four years with funds granted in the latest Australian budget.
KOSSA Reigns Supreme in Top 8
KOSSA has stunned the much fancied Uncles FC with a 4-1 romp yesterday at the Lawson Tama stadium.
Trip is Cost Effective: PM Sikua
Prime Minister Dr Derek Sikua maintains his current 25 day absence overseas to participate in international meetings is cost effective and beneficial to the country.
Police Fire Drills Put ANZ Bank Staff to the Test
The fire safety knowledge of bank staff from the ANZ Bank's Point Cruz branch was put to the test early this morning when the Police Fire Service initiated a fire evacuation drill at 8.30am.
Police Monitor Tense Situation at Kaibia Heights
Police Commissioner Peter Marshall today urged all parties to show calm after major disturbances at Kaibia Heights last night activated call outs of the police tactical squads.
Pacific Island Countries Showcase Culture and Products at Trade Exhibition in Japan
Press Statement - The 4th Pacific Islands Trade Exhibition will take place at the JETRO Exhibition Hall in Tokyo, Japan from 21-26 May 2009.
Government Halts Recruitment as Financial Situation Worsens
The Government has announced an indefinite freeze on recruitment to vacant positions, as well as on the creation of new positions within the Solomon Islands public service.
Bulu Communities Resort to "Self-Help"
Desperate is the best word to describe the current situation at Bulu, a small community in south Malaita. During freak storms in early April, more than two hundred homes were flattened.
Police Help Red Cross Ship Safe Water Storage across the Sea
Marine Police helped the Solomon Islands Red Cross distribute 11 water tanks from Honiara to Malu'u in Malaita and Marasa on the Weather Coast during the past week.
Australia Supports Solo Icon 2009
The Australian High Commission today announced its support for 2009 SOLO ICON, at a handover ceremony held at the Ministry of Women, Youth and Children, where Deputy High Commissioner, Alison Duncan, handed over a cheque for SBD30, 000 to Global Youth Leadership Nexus.
3 Pacific Bird Species in Danger of Extinction
The three bird species are part of the 2009 Red List compiled by the Birdlife International and the International Conservation Union.
HFA Giants Prepare for Club Championships
The Giants of Honiara football are consolidating their strength in preparation for the coming Our Telekom National Club Championship. KOSSA, Makuru and Uncles have all booked a place while Koloale returns as the defending champion. The national club championship will kick off on Monday 25 May 2009.
Palm Oil Exports Remain Strong: CBSI Governor
The Governor of the Central Bank of Solomon Islands, CBSI, Denton Rarawa, says the economic preliminary indicators for the first quarter of 2009 show mixed outcomes.
Temporary Special Measures Campaign Officially Launched
The Ministry of Women, Youth and Children's Affairs has officially launched a nationwide awareness campaign on the Temporary Special Measures (TSM) concept.
Work on Doma Township Set to Begin
Construction work is expected to start soon on the development of Doma township, West Honiara.
European Union Cancels Millions in Sugar Aid to Fiji
18 May 2009 - STATEMENT BY EUROPEAN COMMISSIONER LOUIS MICHEL ON FIJI
Influenza A(H1N1) Update: 40 Countries Affected
40 countries have officially reported cases of the Influenza A(H1N1) virus, also known as Swine Flu.
Sikua to Attend PALM 5 Summit in Japan
Prime Minister Dr Derek Sikua will attend a three days Japan-Pacific Islands Leaders Meeting, PALM 5, in Hokkaido, Japan, starting Thursday this week.
RAMSI Support for Inland Revenue Secure till 2013 thanks to New Zealand
The Inland Revenue Division, the Solomon Islands Government agency that collects taxes and other revenue within the country, is to be supported for another five years by the Regional Assistance Mission.
Disaster Preparedness Training for Simbo Island
Solomon Islands Development Trust (SIDT) will conduct a disaster preparedness training for Simbo Islanders from the 18th -22nd of May at Lengana Village Simbo Island, Western Province.
Stabbings in Honiara Result in Deaths
Two young men have died and two others seriously wounded in a series of stabbing incidents in Honiara over the weekend.
Climate Change Threatens Coral Reefs and Livelihoods
Climate change is threatening the existence of coral reefs which threatens the livelihoods of millions, especially in the region.
New Zealand Appoints New High Commissioner to Solomon Islands
New Zealand has named career diplomat, Mark Ramsden, as its next High Commissioner to Solomon Islands.
Australia Increases Aid Assistance to Solomon Islands
Australia's combined bilateral and regional development assistance to Solomon Islands will increase by AUD$9.8 million bringing the total of 2009-10 to AUD$246.2 million dollars.
Police Recover Clothing from Scene of Stabbing Incident
Detectives with Royal Solomon Islands Police Force's Central Honiara Criminal Investigation Department are urgently seeking public assistance to identify offenders involved in a brutal stabbing on Monday.
Australia Funds Development Projects in Malaita
Australia and Solomon Islands are working together to increase cocoa production and improve road rehabilitation and maintenance in Malaita. This partnership will provide jobs for Solomon Islanders, economic stimulus for Malaita and better access for rural communities to towns and markets.
Fiji Police Detain Church Leader
As the political situation in Fiji continues, the interim government has confirmed that it has detained the former Methodist Church president, Reverend Manasa Lasaro, 'for a possible breach of Fiji's Public Emergency Regulations'.
Acting PM Witnesses SIPF-PPF Riot Demonstration
Acting Prime Minister, Fred Fono has officially witnessed a joint Riot Demonstration Exercise carried out by the Solomon Islands Police Force (SIPF) and the RAMSI Participating Police Force (PPF) at the Rove Police Grounds today.
Our Telekom National Club Championship On Again
The Solomon Islands Football Federation (SIFF) will be hosting the inaugural Our Telekom National Club Championship 2009 in Honiara from 25th May to 6th June 2009.
Police Seize Dirty Cash from Money Launderer's Home
The Royal Solomon Islands Police Force's Fraud Squad officers have arrested a man accused of masterminding a local money-laundering scheme, after seizing $200,000 cash from his Mbokona home.
Fono Welcomes New Ministers
Acting Prime Minister Fred Fono (MP) has welcomed the appointment of two new government ministers to Cabinet following a ministerial reshuffle exercise on May 5.
Haomae Opens Enhanced Consultative Meeting on RAMSI
Solomon Islands Minister of Foreign Affairs and External Trade, William Haomae says ongoing consultations on the Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands (RAMSI) is crucial to ensure necessary adjustments are made to match the changing situation in Solomon Islands.
SPREP Honoured for Protecting the Ozone Layer
Press Release - The Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP) has been presented with a United States Environmental Protection Agency Ozone Layer Protection Award for 2009.
New ADB Report Shows Continued Shift Toward Environmental Sustainability
Manila, Philippines - ADB is continuing a shift in its emphasis and resources toward reducing poverty and, simultaneously, promoting environmentally sustainable growth in the Asia and Pacific region, according to a new report.
Lungga River Murder Suspect Arrested
Honiara Magistrate's court today remanded in custody a murder suspect for the death of a 25-year-old woman at Lungga River in March.
Taiwan Release RCDF Money
The Rural Constituency Development Fund, RCDF, has been released to government by Taiwan.
Fiji Media Still Being Censored
The media in Fiji is still under government censorship following the extension of the Emergency Regulation in the country with recent allegations of the detention of journalists.
Niue Signs on to Pacific Petroleum Project
Press Statement - Niue has sealed its support for the Pacific Petroleum Project.
New Australian High Commissioner to Solomon Islands
Australia's new High Commissioner to the Solomon Islands, Mr Frank Ingruber, yesterday presented his official Letter of Introduction to Acting Prime Minister, Honourable Fred Fono MP, and called on the Governor General, Sir Nathaniel Waena GCMG KStJ CSI.
Economic Advisory Council Launched
Acting Prime Minister Fred Fono MP has launched the Solomon Islands Economic Advisory Council in Honiara yesterday.
EU Expands Areas of Assistance
The European Union is opening up areas where it had not gone through before in assisting developing countries.
Ex-SelCo Students Support Selwyn College
Ex-Selwyn college students studying and working in Fiji have rendered assistance to Selwyn college school with a new school projector.
Missing Boat Yet to be Found
Police in Lata have launched a search for seven adult men who have been missing since Saturday.
Pacific ACP Leaders Wants EU to Address "Contentious Issues" in EPA
Pacific ACP States have reiterated their desire to see progress in the current negotiations of the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) with the European Union but want contentious issues be dealt with by the EU.
Gitoa Wants to Appear Before TRC
Murder suspect, Stanley Gitoa, who escaped from lawful detention in 2007, says he will remain in hiding from law enforcement authorities until he is guaranteed the opportunity to speak with the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, TRC.
Slade Announces Forum Representative in Solomon Islands
The Pacific Islands Forum has a new representative in Solomon Islands. He is Mr Sakiusa Rabuka from Fiji.
Solomon Airlines Clarifies Disruptions on International Flights
Solomon Airlines last Friday were given notice by Our Airline that their B737 aircraft would not be available until Sunday due to some maintenance issues.
New Auditor General and PS Sworn in
A new Auditor General and a new Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Forestry were sworn in before the Governor General Sir Nathaniel Waena at Government House this morning.
We Should Not Politicize Solomon Airlines: Wale
A former board chairman to Solomon Airlines, now Minister for Education Mathew Wale says the national airline needs less politicization of its board appointments and a more commercial approach by the board and management.
SPC Helps Identify Markets for Forestry Products
The Secretariat of the Pacific Community, SPC, is assisting the Solomon Islands forestry industry conduct a study on the development of a market information system for the country's timbers.
Pacific Partnership 09 To Continue Without USS Dubuque
The Pacific Partnership mission will take place this summer, although not aboard USS Dubuque (LPD 8) because of concerns the H1N1 virus could be spread.
RSIPF Tests Operational Responses in Joint Capability Exercise
The Royal Solomon Islands Police Force will test its operational responses by rehearsing a Joint Capability Exercise at Rove Prison and the Rove assembly ground this morning until May 13.
Peter Shanel Wins By 798
Peter Shanel has won the Central Guadalcanal election, winning by a majority of 798.
Climate Change: Our Century's Challenge, Our Pacific Response
Press Release - Dealing with climate change in the Pacific is everyone's business. This is the message of the 2009 Pacific Year of Climate Change being led by the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP).
Government Donates SBD$500,000 to Bushfire Victims in Australia
The Solomon Islands government has handed over half a million Solomon dollars to the Australian High Commission in Honiara this morning to support the fire victims of Australia.
Kadamana Scoops RAMSI Media Award
The Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands today presented the inaugural Special Coordinator's Media Encouragement Award to Solomon Star newspaper photographer, Charles Kadamana.
Solomon Airlines Airbus 320-200 Aircraft Flight Schedule
An airline spokesperson said that a new schedule, now under development and in the process of being circulated, would see the Airlines operating on Monday, Wednesday and Friday from Brisbane to Honiara with a direct return service to Brisbane at prime times.
Solomon Airlines Brings in Airbus 320-200 Aircraft
The Solomon Airlines confirmed yesterday, during a brief ceremony, that it has signed a strategic agreement to bring into its Brisbane operation, an Airbus 320-200 aircraft.
23 Countries with Officially Reported Cases of Influenza A (H1N1) Infection
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has released an update yesterday confirming that 23 countries have officially reported cases of the influenza A (H1N1) infection, commonly known as Swine Flu.
Central Guadalcanal go to the Polls
The Central Guadalcanal bye election will be held today, with many predicting the return of former MP Peter Shanel.
Swine Flu Case Forces Cancellation of US Navy Trip
A US Navy trip to the Solomon Islands has been cancelled after the discovery of a swine flu case aboard one of the San Diego-based Navy ship.
Dr Sikua on Fiji's Suspension from PIF
Prime Minister Derek Sikua says the suspension of Fiji from the Pacific Islands Forum, PIF, is a decision consistent with the Forum's Port Moresby resolutions.
Sikua Reshuffles Cabinet Ministers
Prime Minister Dr Derek Sikua has announced the much anticipated reshuffling of Ministers in his year old government.
Carteret Islanders - First Climate Refugees
Carteret Islanders of Papua New Guinea have become the first climate refugees as they relocate to new sites to escape the effects of climate change on their homeland.
ADB President Urges New Development Paradigm for Asia and the Pacific
BALI, INDONESIA, 4 May 2009 - With the Asia and Pacific region hit hard by the global economic crisis, the region must rebalance growth, Asian Development Bank (ADB) President Haruhiko Kuroda today told the opening session of the 42nd Annual Meeting in Bali, Indonesia.
Dead Foetus Found in a Bottle
A dead foetus was found in a bottle at Town Ground area over the weekend.
Tetepare's Reefs in Top Shape
A recent survey of coral reefs around Tetepare Island, in the Western Province, has confirmed the islands reefs are in excellent health.