Latest News Archive August 2009
Protecting the Natural Heritage of Samoa
Press Release - As fairytales go, Hamelin used a pied piper and pipes to rid the town of rats. In real life, Samoa is using a helicopter and rat bait.
Samoan Court Rules Road Switch Will Go Ahead
Samoa's Supreme Court has ruled that the switch from right to left-hand driving will go ahead, rejecting the lobby by a group wanting to stop the switch.
New Correctional Centre in Auki
The new Correctional Centre in Auki, Malaita is expected to contribute to the economy of the provincial capital and the province.
New Bishop for Temotu Province
A new bishop has been chosen for the Anglican Diocese of Temotu.
Solomon Islands Signs PACC MOU
The Solomon Islands has signed the Memorandum of Understanding for the Pacific Adaptation to Climate Change Project (PACC). This brings the total number of countries who have signed the PACC MoU to 10.
ADB Emergency Loan to Help Rebuild Fiji's Flood-Affected Rural Economy
28 August 2009 - MANILA, PHILIPPINES - The Asian Development Bank (ADB) is extending an emergency loan of $17.6 million to help rebuild damaged infrastructure and revive economic activity in rural areas of Fiji that were badly affected by floods earlier this year.
2009 Miss Charity Crowned After Colorful Float Parade
It was a gloomy and cloudy day but luckily no rain falling. The float parade started from the town ground field near the construction site of the new rugby stadium. All the beauty contestants could not wipe the smiles from their face as their floats headed towards the Lawson Tama Stadium.
Police Takes 'New Approach'
The Royal Solomon Islands Police Force is starting a new community approach in three locations in the country.
Sogavare May Not Have to Give Evidence in Moti Case
Former Solomon Islands prime minister Manasseh Sogavare may not have to give evidence to support the defence of former Solomon Islands attorney-general Julian Moti, who is facing child sex charges.
Commission of Inquiry Into Land Dealings Begin
A Commission of Inquiry has begun in Solomon Islands into Land Dealings and Abandoned Properties on Guadalcanal.
TRC Begins Awareness Workshop
About 80 church, women, youth and traditional leaders from all over Guadalcanal province are attending a three day workshop on the work of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, TRC.
Telecommunications Market Opened to Competition, Bill Passed
Parliament has passed the Telecommunications Bill 2009 bringing an end the dominance of Our Telekom in the local telecommunications market.
Date Set For Judicial Review Into PEC
The High Court has set a hearing date for the Attorney General's application for a judicial review of the executive and legislative action of the Parliamentary Entitlements Commission, PEC.
Asia's Progress on Millennium Development Goals Remains Mixed - ADB
Asia and Pacific countries continue to make broad progress in reducing extreme poverty but hunger still remains widespread and many economies are struggling to meet other Millennium Development Goals (MDG), including reductions in maternal mortality rates and access to sanitation, latest available data show.
TDP Gives 21 Days for Negotiations
The trade disputes panel, TDP, has ruled in favour of the government, allowing a 21 day period for negotiations, against a 14 day period suggested by the public service union.
Monopoly License to Telekom Was an Obstacle: Wale
Education Minister, Mathew Wale, has described the exclusive license granted to Our Telekom to operate as a monopoly in the country's telecommunication industry as "an obstacle to progress in information and communications technology and services in Solomon Islands."
Airport Needs Urgent Repair: Wickham
Permanent Secretary for Aviation and Communication Jeffery Wickham has told overseas media that facilities at the Honiara International Airport currently meet minimum safety standards but are in urgent need of repair.
Tonga Holds Mass Burial at Sea for Victims of Shipping Tragedy
The island kingdom of Tonga held a mass funeral at sea for the victims of the MV Princess Ashika tragedy yesterday.
Digicel Pacific Limited Expected to Launch Service April 2010
Digicel Pacific Limited is expected to launch its mobile phone service in Solomon Islands by April 2010.
GRML Recognizes SINUW
Gold Ridge Mining Limited, GRML, has officially recognized the Solomon Islands National Union of Workers, SINUW, as representing the local employees of the company.
Swine Flu Deaths in Tahiti and New Caledonia
Tahiti and New Caledonia have had recent cases of deaths resulting from influenza A (H1N1) or Swine Flu, as it is more commonly known, prompting the French government to send medical and technical reinforcements.
Welfare Agencies Should Address Plight of Beggers: Police Commissioner
Police Commissioner Peter Marshall says it is not the role of the police to chase people who are begging on the streets of Honiara.
No Counter Offer Made to SIPEU: PM
The prime minister says government has not made a counter offer to SIPEU log of claims because the Union was not willing to discuss with government "a framework for negotiation."
Tengemoana Construction Sponsors End Year Basketball Tournament
FIBA Oceania has shown its support to the organizers of the upcoming Tengemoana Construction Basketball Tournament that is planned to be held in Bellona Island, Rennell Bellona Province in December later this year.
RAMSI Farewells Officer
The Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands, RAMSI, has bid a final farewell to the young Participating Police Force officer, Sisiliah Puleheloto, lost in the recent ferry tragedy in Tonga.
SIPEU Calls on Members to Resume Work
The Solomon Islands Public Employees Union, SIPEU, has lifted its nation-wide strike action, and called on all its members to resume official duties by 1pm this afternoon.
SIPEU Moves Ahead With Strike
Reports are emerging that the Civil Aviation has gone on strike despite claims by the government that the matter has been referred to the Trade Disputes Panel.
Families of Shipwreck Victims End Vigil As Search Ends
The families of the victims of the Tongan vessel, MV Princess Ashika, ended their 17-night vigil on Friday. Earlier, the country's Police Commander, Chris Kelley, announced that the aerial and surface search for survivors has ended.
Strike Threats Referred to TDP
The proposed strike by the Solomon Islands Public Employees Union (SIPEU) to go ahead midnight today is not likely to take place, as yet.
People's Alliance Party to Contest National Elections
The Peoples Alliance Party says it will contest the coming National Elections in 2010.
Solomons to Benefit from Australian Tsunami Warning System: Minister Lilo
"Human lives and valuable properties will be saved in an event of any future tsunami that possibly will strike Solomon Islands once the Australian Tsunami Warning System (ATWS) is put in place around the country," says Hon. Gordon Darcy Lilo, Minister of Environment, Conservation and Meteorology.
PM Sikua Welcomes New PNG High Commissioner
Prime Minister Dr Derek Sikua has welcomed Papua New Guinea's new High Commissioner to Solomon Islands in Honiara today.
PNG Pulls out of Pacific Mini Games
The Papua New Guinea Athletics team won't be part of the Pacific Mini Games in the Cook Islands in September.
Police Leaders Discuss Way Forward for the RSIPF
More than 40 Provincial Police Commanders and Directors of the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force, attended and completed a week of Strategic Planning Workshop in Honiara from 9th of August 2009 to the 15th of August 2009.
Government to Pay Our Telekom
Finance Ministry has confirmed it will pay 109-million dollars in compensation to Solomon Telekom instead of the previously announced 84-million dollars.
Police Women Making It Happen
Six police women currently working in the Solomon Islands will travel from the tropics to far Western Australia for a conference in Perth next week.
Cabinet to Discuss Strike Threat
Cabinet will meet today to discuss issues relating to the nation-wide strike threat by the Solomon Islands Public Employees Union, SIPEU.
SIPEU Threatens Nationwide Strike
Solomon Islands Public Employees Union, SIPEU has threatened to call for a nationwide strike by its members as of midnight Sunday August 23 if Government fails to meet its demands.
Temotu Province Faces Food Shortage
Reports are emerging of a possible food shortage crisis in remote parts of Temotu Province.
Controversial Church Leader Expelled
The South Seas Evangelical Church has expelled Michael Maeliau from the church.
Concerted Action Needed Now to Help Stabilize Pacific Economies, Says ADB
MANILA, PHILIPPINES - Economic growth in the Pacific region in 2009 is expected to dip below earlier forecasts, but will remain positive at 2.8%, says a new Asian Development Bank (ADB) publication released today (17 August 2009).
Moti to Appeal Charges
Former Solomon Islands attorney-general Julian Moti has been given until [today] to file details of his application to have child sex charges against him dismissed.
Commission of Inquiry into Land Transactions
The Commission of Inquiry on land transactions and acquisition on Guadalcanal prior to the ethnic tension era is expected to start soon.
City Discourages Begging: Mua
Honiara City Mayor, Andrew Mua, says the council discourages people to beg for money on the streets of Honiara.
Parliamentarian Speaks on Death Penalty
Parliament Member for Lau Mbaelelea Walter Folotalu has spoken of plans to revive the death penalty if people do not stop killing one another.
Foreign Investors Must Meet Strict Guidelines to Qualify for Tax Exemptions: IRD
Any person or company seeking to invest in Solomon Islands can make an application for a tax exemption but no investor has an automatic right to an exemption, according to the Inland Revenue Division of the Ministry of Finance.
Female Entrepreneur Marks Special Occasion
Managing Director of the Premiere Real Estate Company, Julie Gegeu Haro, last Friday, marked a special occasion in her life and business.
Business Law and Administrative Reforms Steering Committee Launch 2009 Work Plan
The Business Law reforms and Administrative Reforms Steering Committee has launched its 2009 work plan and started resuming it series of meetings yesterday at Mendana Hotel.
Taiwan Dietician Warns Against Excessive Use of Coconut Cream
A visiting dietician from Kaoshiung University hospital inTaiwan dr Meng-Chuang Huang has warned Solomon Islanders against too much intake of coconut cream.
Premier Irosaea Urges to Stop Arrogance
Malaita people have been placed on the anvil with a recent call to respect other ethnicities by Malaitan Premier Richard Namo Irosaea.
Solomon Islands Receives Education Assistance From PNG
The Solomon Islands Government officially on August 6 had received a Grant Assistance of K4 Million (SBD$11 Million) from the Papua New Guinea Government for the education and training of Solomon Islands students studying at various Papua New Guinea tertiary institutions.
New Constitution Will Help Prevent Ethnic Tension: Lepping
Chairman of one of the key groups involved in drafting the country's new constitution, Sir George Lepping says once the it becomes law, there is likely to be less ethnic unrest.
TSI Disapproves Demands for Increase COLA From Government
Chairman of Transparency Solomon Islands, Bob Pollard, says whilst the demands of trade unions for salary and COLA increases are understandable, the country could face total break down if everyone takes on the same kind of behaviour as MPs.
Medical Training On Diabetes, Hypertension and Gout Concludes
A lot more medical workers should now be able to provide information and health care needed for the prevention and management of diabetes,hypertension and gouts.
Police Arrest More People Over GPPOL Burning
Police have arrested an additional two young men yesterday morning at the Koli area in relation to the burning down of the Guadalcanal Plains Palm Oil Limited's Head office at Tetere on July 25.
We Are Listening to Public Outcry: Sogavare
Opposition Leader, Manasseh Sogavare, says the massive public outcry concerning the proposed parliamentary entitlements, including the much debated $50,000 dollars terminal grant for MPs spouses, has not fallen on deaf ears.
PNG Terrain and Weather Slows Rescue
The thick jungles of the Owen Stanley ranges, near Kokoda in Papua New Guinea, and bad weather are slowing combined efforts to recover the bodies of 13 people, including nine Australians, killed in Papua New Guinea's worst air crash.
Workshop for Solo Icon Contestants
A two-day workshop is being run by Australian music producer, Kelvin Fahey, for past and present Solo Icon contestants.
Governor General to Attend Malaita Day Celebrations
The Governor General Frank Kabui will officiate as guest of honor during the Malaita Province's 26th Second Appointed Day celebrations in Auki tomorrow.
Police Minister Tables Criminal Procedure Code Bill in Parliament
The Minister for Police and National Security James Tora has tabled the Criminal Procedure Code Amendment Bill 2009 in parliament yesterday.
Government Denies Reports
The Solomon Islands Government is denying reports that two Fiji officials sneaked into last week's Pacific Islands Forum summit in Australia by using Solomon Islands passports.
Report on Violence Against Women
Australia has released a new report detailing an action framework to end violence against women in the Solomon Islands.
Parliamentary House Committee to Investigate Terminal Grant to MP Spouses
The Parliamentary House Committee will conduct an inquiry into the recent Parliamentary Entitlement's Commission (PEC) decision to award a SBD50,000 Terminal Grant to the spouses of Members of Parliament.
Taiwan Disburses Third RCDF Payment
Ambassador of the Republic of China (Taiwan) to Solomon Islands, H.E. George Chan today has released the third payment of Rural Constituency Development Fund (RCDF) of SBD$2.2 million.
Grade Six Exams On Amidst Uncertainties
Thousands of standard six students this morning sat their secondary entrance exams.
Solomon Airlines Confident in Service
The Solomon Airline says despite the intense competition in the airline industry, they are confident in the delivery of their product.
Call for Scrapping of Entitlements for MPs
The Solomon Islands Council of Trade Unions and the Chamber of Commerce and Industry are calling for entitlements of members of Parliament to be scrapped.
Government on Draft Federal Constitution
Prime Minister Derek Sikua says his government will try its best to have the Draft Federal Constitution ready before Parliament is dissolved in April.
Search Ongoing for Survivors of Shipping Tragedy
The search for survivors of the sunken ship, MV Princess Ashika, is still ongoing as numbers of passengers reported to be onboard the vessel when tragedy struck increase.
Greenpeace Captain Arrested in Pacific Campaign
The captain of the Greenpeace ship Esperanza, Vladimir Votiacov, was arrested by Cairns police last week after taking part in a blockade of the Hay Point coal.
Australian Music Producer Arrives Today
Australian music producer, Kelvin Fahey, will arrive in Honiara today ahead of the Solo Icon Grand Final on Sunday 16 August.
Parliament Passes 2009 Supplementary Appropriation Bill
Parliament has passed the 2009 Supplementary Appropriation Bill in its Second Reading.
Teachers Will Not Boycott Examinations: Hatimoana
Teachers will no longer pursue a planned boycott of standard six exams on Wednesday this week.
1st 2009 Draft Federal Constitution Released
The 1st 2009 Draft Federal Constitution is now available for public viewing.
RAMSI Fears PPF Officer Lost in Tonga Ferry Tragedy
The Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands (RAMSI) today confirmed that a member of RAMSI's Participating Police Force (PPF) was among those believed to have drowned in this week's Tongan Ferry tragedy.
Correctional Service Achieve Major Milestone
The Correctional Service of Solomon Islands achieved a major milestone this week with the completion of a training course that will equip staff to assess and evaluate the performance of correctional personnel.
Solomon Islands Visitor Arrivals Grow by 23 percent
The Solomon Islands visitor arrivals by air grew by 8 per cent to 4,832 visitors to Solomon Islands in the second quarter of 2009 compared with the same period in 2008.
UNDP Parliament Project to Continue
The United Nations Development Programme Parliamentary Strengthening Program does not end when Project Manager Warren Cahill leaves.
Fifty Six Government Scholarships Terminated
Minister for Education Mathew Wale has confirmed in Parliament that the scholarships of 56 students studying at USP in Fiji have been terminated, out of 74 students on the initial list for termination.
Search On For Six Year Old Boy
A six year old boy has been reported missing at Lungga River since Monday.
Solomon Islanders Take the Lead on Corrections Training
The Correctional Service of Solomon Islands achieved a major milestone this week with the completion of a training course that will equip staff to assess and evaluate the performance of correctional personnel.
Efforts to Improve the Solomon Islands Energy Agency Push Ahead
The Solomon Islands Energy Project (SISEP), which aims to assist the Solomon Islands Energy Agency (SIEA) in improving the supply and reliability of electricity to Solomon Islanders, has been making significant progress.
Cancel New Parliamentary Entitlements: TSI
The new Parliamentary entitlements will cost approximately $50 million dollars over a four year term of Parliament, bringing the total costs of the Parliamentary entitlements close to $200 million.
Government Lifts Reservation on Grants
Acting Prime Minister, Fred Fono, has told Parliament that Cabinet has lifted the 35 percent reservation it had imposed on national grants to the provinces.
Search on for Survivors of Sunk Tongan Ship
The search is on for more survivors of passengers of MV Princess Ashika, which overturned in Tongan waters late Wednesday, with fears that women and children were unable to make it out of the sunken ship.
Teachers Association Threatens to Boycott Exams
The secretariat of Solomon National Teachers Association, SINTA has threatened that its members will boycott standard 6 exams if government continues to ignore a 7.5 percent cost of living salary increase it had already promised teachers last year.
Pacific Partnership Offers Free Medical Services
The United States Pacific Partnership mission will offer free medical and dental care on Guadalcanal and Malaita over the next 13 days.
Government "Looks Into" Public Concerns
The Government is studying public concerns on the newly introduced increases in entitlements of Members of Parliament.
High Court Rules in Favor of Former PS's
The CNURA government stands to lose hundreds of thousands of dollars following a High Court ruling that government wrongly terminated the contracts of six former permanent secretaries in January 2008, shortly after it came into power.
Custom Money from Solomon Islands Laid on Kennedy's Grave
Worlds apart yet united by fate, the Late John F. Kennedy and Solomon Islander Eroni Kumana shared a special friendship, one that was forged during the WWII Guadalcanal campaign in the Solomon Islands.
Pacific Island Hostages Freed
The crew of a German vessel that had been captured by Somali pirates in April, among which were a Fijian and 12 Tuvaluans, have been finally freed after a ransom was paid.
40th Pacific Islands Forum Opens with Concern for the Situation in Fiji
Press Statement - 5 August, 2009 - The situation in Fiji remains a concern for the Pacific Islands Forum as Leaders gather for their 40th Forum in the Australian northern city of Cairns.
Response to Economic Crisis must be Pacific Tailored - SG
Press Statement - Cairns, 4th August 2009 - A regional conference addressing how to tackle the impact of the global economic crisis on countries in the Pacific region has been told that any response to the crisis must be a Pacific tailored one acknowledging the special challenges of the region.
Solomon Islands Fans Await Bilikiki Homecoming
It has been a long wait but Solomon Islands fans will finally get the chance to welcome home their Bilikiki heroes today when they arrive in Honiara with the OFC Beach Soccer Championship trophy in tow.
Finance Minister Says Bill Necessary
The 2009 Supplementary Appropriation Bill 2009 of about 80 million dollars is necessary in light of the current uncertain economic situation as a result of the global financial crisis.
Government Respects Private Sector: Fono
The Acting Prime Minister Fred Fono says the CNURA government respects the private sector.
Three Confirmed Swine Flu Cases, Authorities on High Alert
There are now three confirmed cases of the A H1N1 Swine Flu virus in the Solomon Islands. Health authorities are now on high alert and are urging the public to remain calm.
Leaders Arrive in Cairns for 40th Pacific Islands Forum
Pacific Islands Forum Leaders have started arriving in Australia's northern city of Cairns for the 40th Forum which official opens on Wednesday 5th August 2009.
Solomon Airlines A320 Aircraft Arrival Delays
Technical issues have delayed the much awaited arrival of a 320 Airbus aircraft which Solomon Airlines has leased from Strategic Airlines in Australia to operate the Honiara Brisbane route.
Court of Appeal Dismisses Appeal
The Solomon Islands Court of Appeal has dismissed an appeal by Clement Rojumana and John Maetia Kaliuae against a Magistrate Court committal order for both men to stand trial in the High Court on allegations they illegally granted citizenship to 25 Asians in 2003.