Latest News Archive July 2010 News - Solomon Times Online

Electoral Commission Reminds Voters

Chief Electoral Officer Polycarp Haununu, has urged people who have registered to vote in the Solomon Islands General Elections to be prompt to polling stations.

"Black Market" Operation Conducted

Police in Buala last week, conducted an operation targeting illegal liquor outlets in various districts of Isabel Province.

Buala Beefs up Security

As we draw nearer to August Fourth, security has been beefed up for the whole of Solomon Islands.

The scheme will help to provide services to the remote parts of the Solomon Islands.

Franchise Shipping Scheme to Assist Solomons

Five franchise routes have been awarded to three ship operators, allowing the first scheduled voyages of ships to remote areas of Solomon Islands, under the Domestic Maritime Support Project.

Authorities Issues Warning on Weather

The Solomon Islands has been experiencing inconsistent weather patterns in the recent weeks.

Medical Team Visits Solomon Islands

Australia's High Commissioner to the Solomon Islands, Mr Frank Ingruber, yesterday, met with the visiting Australian surgical team at the National Referral Hospital.

Special Election Awareness for North New Georgia

Voters in North New Georgia, Western Province, will undergo a special seven-day 'how to vote' awareness program this week.

August Fourth Declared a Holiday

The Ministry of Home Affairs has advised the Electoral Commission that the Solomon Islands National Election day, Wednesday 4 August, will be declared a national public holiday.

"I honestly think that it's going to be more of the same," says Dr Tarcisius Kabutaulaka.

Academic Predicts Similar Political Pattern

A Solomon Islands academic says he's not optimistic that next week's election will produce a government that will deliver more to rural people.

2009 Solo Icon, Jeddy Dyer (L) and Solo Icon 2007, Fay Indu (C) and Spain (R), 2010 Solo Icon contestant, before Jeddy's departure.

Jeddy Leaves to Record Album

Yesterday was an exciting day for 2009 Solo Icon winner, Jeddy Dyer, who departed for Australia to record his debut album at Woodhead Studios on Queensland's Gold Coast.

Forum Help to Advocate for Women in Politics

Promoting women into leadership does not mean women are taking over men's role.

Mr. Paul Tovua, Special Envoy will be travelling in Dr.Sikua's place.

Dr. Sikua to be Absent in Upcoming Meeting

The Solomon Islands Government has confirmed that the caretaker Prime Minister, Dr. Derek Sikua will not be attending next week's Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Summit to be held in Vanuatu.

Moti Trial to Begin Next Year

The Solomon Islands Former attorney-general Julian Moti is likely stand trial on child sex charges next year

Election Observers: Eyes and Ears of Election

Over sixty local observers have been briefed by the Solomon Islands Electoral Commission in preparation for the upcoming National General Election.

New Stamps Released as Promotion

The Solomon Islands Postal Corporation in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock,(MAL) Solomon Islands Government has released a set of four postal stamps.

As the election fever hits the Solomon Islands, people and candidates alike have been urged to keep it peaceful.

Electoral Commission Warns Candidates

Chief Electoral Officer, Mr Polycarp Haununu, has issued a warning to candidates to respect electoral laws and keep their campaigns peaceful and fair in the week leading up to the National General Election.

SIFF to Kick off National League

The Solomon Islands Football Federation (SIFF) is committed to kicking of the National Soccer League this year.

Mr. Rex Kamusu is one of the two Futsal Referees to pass the fitness test ahead of the Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) Futsal Championship in Fiji next month.

Referees Pass Fitness Test Ahead of Games

The two (2) Solomon Islands referees appointed for the Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) Futsal Championship, Rex Kamusu and Silas Leti, have passed a physical fitness ahead of the kick off of the championship in Fiji next month.

SPREP Launches Study on Regional Financing for Climate Change

Press Release - The Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP) has commenced a study with a view to establishing a regional Climate Change Fund or other mechanism.

Jeddy Dyer receives his ticket and schedule from the Australian High Commissioner, H.E Frank Ingruber.

Solo Icon 2009 Destined for Australia

As excitement builds in Solomon Islands in the lead up to the 2010 Solo Icon semi final, excitement is also building for the 2009 Solo Icon winner, Jeddy Dyer, who will travel to Australia this week to record his first album.

Public Service Commission Discards Newspaper Story

The Office of the Public Service Commission has rejected a newspaper story that has suggested an extension to the contract of Government Permanent Secretaries for another six months.

"Close consultation and cooperation between RAMSI, the Solomon Islands people and Government has laid a strong foundation," says Mr. Wilson.

RAMSI and Government Partnership in Good Shape

The partnership between RAMSI and the Solomon Islands is in good shape after seven years of working together to rebuild the nation.

To replace Mr. Hemmer, Mr. Carson Korowa, had been appointed by the Board to act as the General Manager of SPOL.

Hemmer Sacked as Managing Director

The SPOL (South Pacific Oil Limited) Board Chairman, Mr. Joses Tuhanuku has announced the sacking of SPOL's Managing Director, Mr. Mike Hemmer, after his Board met yesterday to decide on Mr. Hemmer's future with the company.

SIG Needs To Do More: ADB

The Asian Development Bank says there's need for the Solomon Islands Government to take immediate action to boost sustainable economic growth.

Election Date Will Not Change: Electoral Commission

The Electoral Commission has assured the people of Temotu Vatud that their polling day will be the same as the rest of the country - Wednesday 4 August.

PM Wins Defamation Case against Island Sun

Prime Minister Derek Sikua has won a defamation case he lodged against the Island Sun Newspaper at the High Court.

Mike Hemmer, with minority shareholdings of SPO, was engaged to manage SPO as part of an agreement entered into by his company GRP & Associates and the Solomon Islands National Provident Fund.

SPO Board to Decide on Hemmer's Fate

The fate of the Managing Director of South Pacific Oil (SPO), Mike Hemmer, will be decided today by the SPO Board of Directors.

International Observers To Provide Neutral Observation

There will be up to 70 international observers in Solomon Islands for the August 4 elections.

Police Plan to Ban Sale of Alcohol on Election Day

Police say they are planning to ban the sale of alcohol in the country during the National General Elections on August 4.

He added that Solomon Islands could also learn from Fiji as a regional country with a well developed tourism industry.

Sikua Opens Fiji Mission

Care-taker Prime Minister Dr Derek Sikua has officially opened the Solomon Islands Mission to Fiji with the unveiling of a plaque, in Suva, yesterday morning.

Fiji's Fiji Times Put on the Market

One of Fiji's oldest and main newspapers, Fiji Times, is being put on the market by its owner, News Ltd.

Bags of rice are being shipped in the thousands to villages around the country, with candidates preparing for a sudden influx of supporters.

Rice Shortage As Election Looms

There is rice shortage in Honiara, along with most of the other main provincial centres in the Solomon Islands, as the election looms.

Delayed Action on Climate Change will increase Cost: Beck

The Pacific Small Island Developing States has met at a briefing with the UN Secretary General's Advisory Group on Climate Change Finance.

The total number of candidates contending in this National General Election on Wednesday 4 August is 509, up from 453 for the 2006 election.

Electoral Commission Admits Error

The Electoral Commission has been alerted to an error in the list of the record 508 candidates.

Wale Urges Solomon Islanders to Confront Land Issue

The Solomon Islands Democratic Party spokesman, Mathew Wale, has urged Solomon Islanders to "bravely confront the issue of Land reform in the country to move the nation forward."

PM Congratulates Rennell Bellona Province on Second Appointed Day

Prime Minister Dr Derek Sikua and the National Government of Solomon Islands have congratulated Rennell Bellona Province and its people on the occasion marking the Province's Second Appointed Day.

The 508 candidates will be vying for the 50 seats in the country's National Parliament, with a good majority being former Members of Parliament themselves.

508 Candidates to Contest National Elections

The Solomon Islands Electoral Commission has confirmed that a record 508 candidates will contest the upcoming National General Elections on 4th August 2010.

The setting aside of the stay order means Moti, 44, will now have to stand trial in the Supreme Court in Brisbane on seven counts of engaging in sexual intercourse with a person aged under 16.

Charges against Moti Reinstated

Child sex charges have been reinstated against former Solomon Islands attorney-general Julian Moti following a ruling by Queensland's Court of Appeal.

Search on for 8 Year Old Boy

Police are appealing to the public for information on an eight year old boy who has been missing since Monday afternoon from the Fishing Village area in East Honiara.

High visibility patrols are currently being carried out across Honiara.

Police Boost Security Preparations Ahead of Elections

The Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) with the support of the RAMSI Participating Police Force (PPF) and RAMSI Military has already commenced security preparations ahead of the National General Election which will be held on 4 August 2010.

Stocktake on Achievements of Forum after 40 Years

PRESS RELEASE - 15th July 2010 - As the Pacific Islands Forum prepares to celebrate its 40th anniversary next year, a stock take of its achievements will be undertaken to reflect on its current and future directions.

The Way Forward for Pacific Islands Roundtable for Nature Conservation

Press Release - The Pacific Islands Roundtable for Nature Conservation calls upon Pacific Island countries to commit to investing in natural solutions to reduce the impacts of environmental and climate change as a matter of urgency.

Vanuatu's Prime Minister and current Chair of the MSG, Edward Natapei.

MSG Leaders will Sort out Rift: Haomae

The caretaker Foreign Minister in Solomon Islands, William Haomae, is confident the leaders of the Melanesian Spearhead Group will be able to resolve the rift with Fiji at a planned special summit meeting.

Choose Wisely Says Malaita Premier

Malaita Premier Richard Irosaea has urged people of the province to "think carefully before choosing their leaders in the coming August 4th general elections."

Election Observers Invited to Submit Applications

The Electoral Commission is inviting local and international organizations to participate in the upcoming National General Election as election observers.

The Prime Minister's Secretary adds that the government's position is to maintain an "open door policy to Fiji."

PM Sikua Heads to Friends of Fiji Meeting

Prime Minister Dr Derek Sikua is leaving Honiara this weekend for Fiji to attend the highly criticized 'Engaging Fiji' meeting of Commodore Frank Bainimarama.

Fiji Expels Another Envoy

Fiji's military-led government has declared Australia's High Commissioner to the country as persona non-grata making Ms. Sarah Roberts the second envoy from Australia to be expelled from the country and among a growing list of people the country has expelled since the 2006 military coup.

Mr Hou, who resigned his lucrative job with the World Bank in Washington DC, returned to the country to attempt a political career.

Hou Takes on 14 Candidates

Former Central Bank Governor turned politician Rick Hou is taking on 14 other candidates in the race for the Small Malaita parliamentary seat in the 2010 national general elections.

340 Candidates for 31 Constituencies

A total of 340 candidates have been confirmed to contest 31 constituencies, according to figures released by the Electoral Commission since the close of withdrawal of nomination by candidates.

The advice also stated that "visitors should monitor local information sources for updates."

Australia Updates Travel Warning Ahead of SI Election

Australia has updated its travel warning for visitors to Solomon Islands in the lead-up to the 04 August 2010 poll.

Pacific Plan Successes and Challenges

PRESS RELEASE - 13th July 2010m - Five years after it was endorsed by Pacific Islands Forum Leaders, the Pacific Plan has recorded some successes but there remains challenges.

Mr Haomae said any proposal to set up a processing centre in Solomon Islands would be viewed with caution.

Cautious Approach to Asylum Issue: Haomae

Solomon Islands Foreign Affairs Minister, William Haomae, says the issues surrounding the opening of a processing centre for asylum seekers in the country are quite complex.

The highlights on the occasion were the Warriors welcome performed by the community's men and the community's Children singing the two National Anthems of Solomon Islands and Australia.

SI Independence Celebrated in Adelaide, South Australia

The Solomon Islands Community in Adelaide, South Australia, has celebrated the Solomon Islands 32nd Independence Day on the 10th July, 2010.

Reform Democratic Party Plans Development Agencies

The Solomon Islands Reform Democratic Party has announced that it proposes to set up rural development agencies which will govern each constituency in the handling of rural development funds.

Climate Change a Priority for SIS

PRESS RELEASE - 12th July 2010 - The issue of climate change will remain for a long time as a top priority for the Smaller Island States (SIS) in the Pacific region.

The Minister acknowledges that all it takes is "foolish behaviour by a few to ruin the overall image of the country."

Police Minister Appeals for Calm Ahead of Elections

The Minister of Police and National Security, James Tora, has appealed to Solomon Islanders to "support electoral officials and the Police in the various activities prior to and including the time of the national general election."

UN Observers Coordination Team Gear Up for Elections

The United Nations, UN, will facilitate the coordination of international election observers during the 2010 National Parliament Election in Solomon Islands.

We Have Addressed Bona Fide Demands: PM

Prime Minister Dr Derek Sikua says the Coalition for National Unity and Rural Advancement Government has delivered its pledge to address the bona fide demands of Guadalcanal Province during its term in power.

Candidates Position on Ballot Paper Decided

The position of candidates on the ballot paper for the National General Election has been drawn by Returning Officers across the country yesterday.

Julia Gillard yesterday confirmed to The Age Newspaper that she is now limiting her option to those countries that have signed up to the refugee convention.

Is Solomon Islands an Option for Gillard?

Australia's Prime Minister, Julia Gillard, is under increasing pressure to find a country within the region that would be willing to host a regional processing centre for asylum seekers.

New Member Commits to Pacific Nature Conservation Charter

Press Release - SeaWeb is the newest member to sign the Pacific Islands Roundtable for Nature Conservation charter in Samoa this week.

Low Key Event for Independence Day Celebrations

It was a low key event as Solomon Islanders celebrated its 32nd Independence Anniversary at the Lawson Tama Stadium.

Candidates have had two weeks to complete nomination forms and submit them together with a $2,000 nomination fee to the Returning Officer in the area they wish to stand.

Nominations Close Today

The Electoral Commission is advising intending candidates to submit their nominations by 4.30pm today or miss out on standing in the upcoming National General Election.

Pacific Islands Roundtable for Nature Conservation Meets in Samoa

Press Release - "Climate Solutions: Invest in Biodiversity" is the theme of the thirteenth gathering of the Pacific Islands Round Table for Nature Conservation that opened in Samoa this morning.

ADB Calls for Asia and Pacific to Make Transition to Solar Power

MANILA, PHILIPPINES - Many countries in Asia and the Pacific are well-suited to solar power initiatives, and incentives and low-cost financing mechanisms should be made available to help the region make the transition possible, Asian Development Bank (ADB) President Haruhiko Kuroda said yesterday.

Allied Secures AU$35M IFC Loan for Solomon Islands Gold Mine

Gold developer Allied Gold has signed a AU$35 million loan agreement with the International Finance Corporation to underpin the AU$150 million redevelopment of its Gold Ridge mine, in the Solomon Islands.

Special Coordinator visits Tonga and Samoa

RAMSI's Special Coordinator has paid tribute to the hundreds of Tongans and Samoans who have helped rebuild Solomon Islands since the Regional Assistance Mission was first deployed in 2003.

Mrs Clinton said that such an important occasion is an opportunity not only to celebrate ones history but also "to reaffirm the ties between our two nations."

Clinton Congratulates Solomon Islands

Hillary Clinton, the Secretary of State of the United States of America, has congratulated the Solomon Islands on its Independence Day.

ADB, Partners Hold Forum to Boost Investment in Asia's Food Sector

MANILA, PHILIPPINES - Hundreds of policymakers, development experts and representatives from the public and private sectors will meet in the Philippines this week to explore new opportunities to boost investment in Asia and the Pacific's agriculture sector.

Fiji Expands Its Border Enforcement

Fiji will expand its protection of its borders into marinas and the waterfront where officials will be allowed to board and search vessels.

Mr Makabo said that NPF would be willing to participate in an important investment for the country which would provide much needed revenue and employment.

NPF Stands Ready to Assist Soltai

The Chief Executive Officer of the National Provident Fund, Tony Makabo says the Fund is ready to inject $100 million into the premier fishing and processing company in the country, Soltai.

Democratic Party Plans to Establish National University

The Solomon Islands Democratic Party plans to establish a national university at Fote in the central district of Malaita Province.

Awakening the Nation Officially Opened

The third international Christian gathering of 'Awakening the Nation' officially opened yesterday afternoon in Honiara.

Chief Electoral Officer, Mr Polycarp Haununu, said that the date has changed by one day because the original date, 7 July, is Independence day, a public holiday.

Candidates Nomination Period Extended

The Electoral Commission is advising intending candidates for the upcoming National General Election that the close of nominations is now Thursday 8 July.

Eight Years Imprisonment for Traditional Healer

A man who claimed to be a traditional healer was imprisoned for eight years after pleading guilty to four counts of rape.

NPF Earns Millions

The National Provident Fund earned more than 72 million dollars in the financial year which ended 30th June 2010.

Solomon Islands, as a member of the Council of Pacific Arts and Culture was duly given a host status for the 11th FOPA 2012 at the 9th Festival held in Palau in 2004.

Fono Launches 11th Festival of Pacific Arts

Deputy Prime Minister Fred Fono has officially launched the Festival of Pacific Arts in Honiara last night.

Media by Decree Robs Fiji of the Right to Free and Fearless Journalism: PFF

Report by the Pacific Freedom Forum as published on their website on Wednesday, June 30, 2010.

Electoral Commission Begins Awareness Workshop

The Electoral Commission has kicked off its provincial grassroots awareness program to increase voter awareness ahead of the upcoming National General Election starting in Auki, Malaita Province the national games.

Local Employment the Big Winner in Solomon Islands Police Housing Construction Project

Employment in the Solomon Islands construction industry will be given a strong boost with the announcement of the successful tender for the construction of 84 new houses for the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force.

The NPF has made large investments in the property market in Honiara, and most recently established South Pacific Oil having bought the company from Shell.

NPF Pays Out 5% in Dividends

The National Provident Fund, NPF, has declared a dividend of five percent to its members.