Latest News Archive July 2011
Development Budget Seen as Under Spent
As revealed by the Ministry of Finance, the Solomon Islands development budget has shown significant under spending as of June 2011.
Australian Court to Hear Moti Case
The High Court of Australia will hear this week an appeal by the former Solomon Islands attorney-general Julian Moti.
Malaita to Have First Economic Centre
East Malaita landowners have become the first group in Solomon Islands to offer their land to the Government to develop Economic Growth Centres.
"Economy Must Go Green to Ensure Sustainability" says Environment Minister
Press Release: Nature Conservation
Neighbours Game Ends in Scoreless Draw
Vanuatu and Solomon Islands have fought out the second scoreless draw of their four-match friendly series after failing to give the 6,000 fans at Port Vila's PVL Stadium a goal to cheer.
Electoral Commission Receives New Advisors
The Solomon Islands Electoral Commission through RAMSI's and Solomon Islands Government's legal framework on reform and capacity building has received new advisors to help on electoral reform.
RAMSI Opens Exhibition in Samoa
RAMSI: A history in pictures, a photographic exhibition that showcases the history and achievements of the Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands (RAMSI), has opened in the Samoan capital, Apia.
Philip Encourages Citizens to Take Ownership
Prime Minister Danny Philip has encouraged all citizens of Solomon Islands to take pride and full ownership of the upcoming Festival of Pacific Arts next year.
Taiwan Assist in MDGs 4 & 5
Republic of China, Taiwan today extended its assistance to help the country meet the Millennium Development Goals (MDG) following the opening of a health training workshop in Honiara.
Government Records Surplus
Government has recorded a surplus of about SBD$143 million dollars for the financial year to June against an estimated surplus of about SBD$51 million dollars.
Teenage Prostitution on the Rise
Government ministries and NGO's involved in promoting safe sex in the Solomon Islands believe teenage prostitution is on the rise as a result of poor economic conditions in the country.
Integrated Approach is Key to the Implementation of Green Economy
21 July 2011, Apia, Samoa - An all encompassing, integrated and inclusive approach was identified as a key to the successful implementation of Green Economy in the Pacific. This was the strong message that came out of the two day Open Forum for the Rio+20 Pacific Preparatory meeting.
Japan to Officially Hand Over Gizo Hospital
The new Gizo Hospital will be handed over to the Solomon Islands Government next month.
Sumitomo Challenge Solomon Islands Government and Axiom KB in High Court
Axiom KB Limited ("Axiom KB"), 80% owned Solomon Island subsidiary of Axiom Mining Limited ("Axiom") has been joined as a defendant in proceedings commenced under a certificate of urgency in the High Court of Solomon Islands on Thursday 21 July 2011 by SMM Solomon Limited, a subsidiary of Sumitomo of Japan ("SMM").
Drink Driving Cases Soars
Police are concerned with the number of drink drivers caught on the roads of Honiara, particularly over the weekends.
Palau Unveils 'Lady of the Sea' Carving at SPREP
Press Release: Nature Conservation
Compensation Package Seeks to End Dolphin Trade
Discussions are being held in Solomon Islands for a compensation plan to end dolphin hunting by one community.
Crocodile Population a Worry: Ramofafia
The Solomon Islands Ministry of Fisheries says it will call an urgent meeting with the Ministry of Environment to discuss the country's growing crocodile population.
Kosrae Children Get OLPC Laptops
While in Kosrae to visit medical assistance projects under Pacific Partnership 2011, United States Ambassador Peter A. Prahar also took part in the One Laptop Per Child (OLPC) ceremony at Tafunsak Elementary School early this month.
Solomons Ranks High in STI Study
A recent study has suggested that Solomon Islands have a relatively high sexually transmitted infection (STI) rate among teenagers.
Ratu Mara Critical Of PM Philip
Fiji political fugitive Ratu Tevita Uluilakeba Mara has lashed out at Solomon Islands Prime Minister Danny Philip, for supporting Fiji's interim Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama resume chairmanship of the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG).
Planting Trees Teaches Youth the Value of Forests
How do you teach children the value of forests?Simple. You start by showing them how to plant a tree.
Sigimanu Speaks on Reserved Seats for Women in Parliament
Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Women, Youth, Children and Family Affairs Ethel Sigimanu has said that women in Solomon Islands have learnt many lessons in trying to get legislation on Temporary Special Measures (TSM) to increase the number of women in Parliament.
Te'e Must Gain Acceptance: Guadalcanal Province
Former IFM Commander, Andrew Te'e, must work hard to ensure his own acceptance back into the Guadalcanal Community, says the Guadalcanal Provincial Government.
Concerns Raised Over Dynamite Fishing
The Vatilau Council of Chiefs in the Buena Vesta District of Central Province are gravely concerned over the increase of dynamite fishing.
Let's Focus on Small Business: Lilo
Finance Minister Gordon Darcy Lilo has said that the country needs to focus on micro economic policies "geared towards encouraging the growth of small and medium enterprises."
News Corp Scandal Brings Ethics Home for Pacific: PFF
Pacific Freedom Forum, Rarotonga, COOK ISLANDS -- Pacific journalists following the global coverage over the News Corp phone-hacking scandal are putting pressures on newsroom practice around ethics and conduct codes for journalists, says regional media monitoring body the Pacific Freedom Forum, PFF.
Strategies for Increasing Women in Decision-Making in the Pacific
Strategic partnerships, targeted communications, enabling legislation and training women for leadership roles were highlighted as some of the crucial ingredients in increasing the number of women in decision-making in the Pacific.
Opposition Wants Education Minister Sacked
The Opposition has called for the sacking of the Minister for Education, Dick Ha'amori for not conforming to a commitment made by Prime Minister Danny Philip to give part of SICHE land for the establishment of the fourth campus of the University of the South Pacific (USP).
SINTA Still to Decide on Counter Offer
The Government's counter offer on the Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) demanded by teachers in the country is still being negotiated.
New Zealand Officials Visit Pacific Arts Festival Sites
A two-man delegation from New Zealand has visited Solomon Islands this week to gather information on the upcoming Festival of Pacific Arts in July 2012.
6.2 Earthquake Strikes Solomon Islands
A magnitude 6.2 earthquake hit off the Solomon Islands this morning, but no tsunami warning was issued.
Rennell Bellona Province Celebrate 11th Second Appointed Day
Rennell and Bellona Province has held three celebrations across the Province to mark its 11th Second Appointed Day today.
Calls for Lifting of Bechdemeer Ban
People in the outlying islands of Malaita and Temotu province have called on the national government to lift the nation wide ban on bechdemeer.
Second Phase of PACER Plus Consultations Begin
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade is commencing the second phase of its national consultations on Solomon Islands' trade negotiations with Australia and New Zealand, commonly referred to as PACER Plus.
0.99 Cents Per Minute Calls
Customers of Our Telekom's Breeze mobile service will benefit from a reduced mobile call rate starting today - 0.99 cents per minute.
American Flying Doctors Arrive in Solomon Islands
An advance team of the Flying Doctors of America (FDOA) has arrived in Honiara ahead of a group of surgeons and other medical specialists.
Sikua Questions Reform Agenda
Opposition Leader Dr Derek Sikua has called on the Prime Minister to re-convene Parliament soon if he is serious about reforming the country's economy.
Stop Selling our Stones!
An East Malaita man Edwin Gani has urged people from the area not to sell gem stones from the area to any foreigners, until proper and legal procedures of the country are followed.
Let's Unlock Our Potential: Lilo
Finance Minister Gordon Darcy Lilo says that the country needs to find innovative and creative ways to unlock the many potential that lie throughout the Provinces.
Euro 11.4 M Climate Resilience Project will Help Nine Pacific Small Island States
Pacific small island states most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change will benefit from a new climate resilience project (worth ?11.4 million) funded by the European Union (EU) and to be implemented by the Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC) over the next four years.
Cancel Prospecting License to Axiom: Sikua
The Opposition Leader says the only remedy to the Isabel nickel prospecting deadlock is canceling the prospecting license wrongly issued to Australian Mining Company, Axiom.
Solomon Airlines Receives Air Operators Certificate
Solomon Airlines today received its first Air Operators Certificate, AOC, to allow it to extend its current services to cover both domestic and international flights.
ICSI Congratulates Solomon Airlines
The Solomon Islands Government's investment arm, the Investment Cooperation of Solomon Islands, or ICSI, has congratulated the Solomon airlines for its "constructive engagement which resulted in the national carrier attaining its historic Air Operators Certificate, AOC."
Government Responds to SINTA Demand
The Government has responded to the Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) demanded by the Solomon Islands National Teachers Association (SINTA) with a counter offer last Friday.
Resource-Rich Pacific Economies Thrive While Others Lag - ADB Report
The Pacific's resource-rich economies of Papua New Guinea (PNG) and Timor-Leste will continue to expand strongly this year as commodity prices remain firm but growth in the rest of the region is set to remain subdued, says the new issue of the Asian Development Bank's (ADB's) Pacific Economic Monitor.
Guadalcanal Workers Union Seek to go on Strike
A group calling itself the Guadalcanal Workers Union is beefing up support on behalf of Guadalcanal Plains Palm Oil limited (GPPOL) employees for a 14 days strike notice on the grounds of dissatisfaction over work condition.
Government Approves Three Additional Overseas Missions
The Government has approved the establishment of three additional overseas Diplomatic Missions to take care of the country's international affairs.
Rights of Women and Children Must be Respected: Kola
The Acting Head of local police, Walter Kola, says the rights of women and children must be respected by all Solomon Islanders.
Geneva Mission Crucial for Solomon Islands: Ma'ahanua
Solomon Islands Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the European Union in Brussels, H.E Joseph Ma'ahanua says the establishment of a Mission in Geneva, Switzerland, is crucial to help government address the UN Millennium Development Goals (MGDs).
Pacific Ministers to Discuss Green Growth
14th July 2011, Apia, Samoa - In an important new initiative, Pacific Finance and Environment Ministers will come together in Apia this month to discuss opportunities and challenges for building green economies in the region.
Successful Visit for Defence Minister
Australia's Minister for Defence, Hon Stephen Smith MP, visited Solomon Islands from 12-13 July and met with national leaders and Australian soldiers serving as part of the Australian-led Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands (RAMSI).
Festival of Arts Programme Launched
The Solomon Islands National Organizing Committee of the 11th Festival of Pacific Arts last Saturday launched a special bi-weekly radio program on the National Broadcaster (SIBC).
Andrew Te'e Receives Pardon
The former Guadalcanal Revolutionary Army Commander Andrew Te'e has received a conditional pardon from the Solomon Islands Governor General Sir Frank Kabui.
'Writeshop' Hailed a Success
[Thursday 14th July 2011, Rarotonga, Cook Islands] - More renewable energy and saltwater desalination activities in the Pacific region will be forthcoming following the conclussion of a Pacific 'writeshop' in the Cook Islands to help project proposal writing.
Land Reform Seminar Expected to Bring Change
Consultant to the Customary Land Reform Unit, Andrew Nori, has said he does not want to see any Malaitan leave his land because of dispute and unhappiness.
Transition for RAMSI in Process
"Australia cannot act alone on any decision to reduce the number of soldiers serving with the Regional Assistance Mission in Solomon Islands (RAMSI)," the Australian Defense Minister, Stephen Smith says.
Axiom Mining to Begin
The Australian mining company, Axiom Mining, will begin drilling for nickel in Solomon Islands this week amid continued ill-feeling from rival companies and landowners.
Minister Stephen Smith Visits Solomons
Minister Smith has left Australia for a visit to the Solomon Islands beginning Wednesday 13 July.
Celebrating Independence in Adelaide
The small Solomon Islands Community in Adelaide, South Australia has celebrated the 33rd independence anniversary on 9th July (Saturday).
Government Keen on Solar Energy
The National Coalition for Rural Advancement (NCRA) Government has voiced its intentions for great emphasis on its campaign to reduce fuel consumption in Solomon Islands.
Opposition Refutes Claim of Movement
The Solomon Islands Office of the Parliamentary Opposition has refuted claims that three of their members are likely to join the NCRA government, describing the news as "totally fabricated and unsubstantiated".
2011 PIC/Partners: Fostering Partnerships for Development
PRESS STATEMENT [Monday 11th July, 2011, Nadi, Fiji] - Development partners must work hand-in-hand with island countries.
PM Committed to Reserved Seats for Women
The Ministry of Women, Youth, Children and Family Affairs is looking to consult more widely with women's groups in the push to establish seats reserved for women in parliament.
Faulty Generator Blamed for Power Failure at the Hospital
Hospital Authorities have confirmed that the hospital's standby generator was rendered faulty, resulting in the longer than expected power outage at the hospital over the weekend.
Missing Solomon Islanders Found Safe
The Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) has contributed to the successful rescue of ten people, reported missing near the Guadalcanal region of Solomon Islands.
Festival of Pacific Arts Committee Kick Start PR Campaign
The National Organizing Committee of the 11th Festival of Pacific Arts has launched a special bi-weekly radio program on the National Broadcaster SIBC.
Countries Should Show the Horror Effects of Smoking: WHO
MANILA, 8 July 2011-The World Health Organization (WHO) has urged countries in the Western Pacific Region to make a greater effort to have graphic health warnings placed on cigarette packs to convince smokers to quit and to discourage young people from taking up the habit.
One Hour Power Blackout at the Hospital
Lives were at risk at the National Referral Hospital late last night following a power blackout that lasted for almost an hour.
Government Pledges SB$1 Million for Auki School
The Government has pledged a million dollars to rebuild the burnt down Auki Primary School in Malaita Province.
Teachers threaten to go on Strike
The Solomon Islands National Teachers' Association, SINTA, has confirmed that there is a possible nationwide strike by teachers if Government fails to respond to its demands by the 18th of this month.
American Samoa Assists Fiji on Invasive Species
Fighting invasive weeds in American Samoa has landed Tavita Togia from the National Park Service of American Samoa in Fiji.
Cook Islands: 100% Renewable Energy by 2020
5 July 2011, Rarotonga Cook Islands - The Cook Islands has an electricity target of 50% renewable energy by 2015 and 100% by 2020. While this may seem like an extreme target, according to the Prime Minister of the Cook Islands Hon. Henry Puna - "it is ambitious but it is not impossible."
Voter Registration Process Corrupt: Babalu
A Former Chief Electoral Officer says the recent voter's registration for the 2010 was carried out in a corrupt manner.
Celebrate Your Citizenship, Says PM
Prime Minister Danny Philip, in his 33rd Anniversary Independence message, has reminded all Solomon Islanders to celebrate their citizenship.
Delay in Delivery of A320 Aircraft
Solomon Airlines has confirmed that their new Airbus A320 will not make it in time for the planned unveiling on Independence Day tomorrow.
Australia Announces Ongoing Support to Solo Icon
Australia will be continuing its support for Solo Icon this year which includes a financial contribution of more than SBD$40,000.
Local Firm Investigates Alleged Cyanide Spill
Local environmental firm Pacific Horizons has confirmed completing an interim report on the Gold Ridge cyanide spill.
SB$265 Million Grant to Fix Roads
Solomon Islands and the Asian Development Bank have signed a SB$265 million dollar grant from Australia to help restore vital transport links destroyed by the 2010 floods in central Solomon Islands.
Regional Health Ministers to Call for Global Attention to Pacific NCD Epidemic
Wednesday 29 June 2011, WHO/SPC, Honiara, Solomon Islands