Latest News Archive September 2012

Maelanga Rejects Claims on Caucus

The Solomon Islands Acting Prime Minister Hon. Manasseh Maelanga has rejected claims that Caucus is more powerful than the Cabinet in the current NCRA government.

Lilo Talks on Climate Change

Solomon Islands Prime Minister Gordon Darcy Lilo has used his address to the UN General Assembly to call on developed nations to do more to tackle climate change.

Solomon Airlines Joins International Council

The International Council of Tourism Partners (ICTP) announced that the Solomon Islands national carrier, Solomon Airlines Limited, is now an associate member.
Hon. Lilo said women play a very important role as peace makers and leaders in Solomon Islands society

Lilo Acknowledges Involvement in Board

The Solomon Islands Prime Minister, Hon. Gordon Darcy Lilo has thanked the United Nations member states for their confidence in electing Solomon Islands to the Executive Board of UN Women.

Cable System to Improve Internet Service

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved more than US$17 million dollars for the US$60 million Broadband for Development Project, which will build a submarine cable system.
The cartoon shows a bare breasted woman looking rather upset, with a caption stating "she's upset Kate chose a Tavs dress over her stink t-shirt."

Cook Islands Paper Print Offensive Cartoon

A Cook Islands newspaper has printed a cartoon mocking the huge outcry by Solomon Islanders over the Royal couples outfit for a State banquet dinner hosted by the Governor General.

5th Regional Meeting of Heads of Agriculture and Forestry Services

The Fifth Regional Meeting of Heads of Agriculture and Forestry Services (HOAFS) began this week in Nadi, Fiji with a challenge to address the strategic threat of rising food insecurity faced by the region's agriculture and forestry services.

Four More Years for RAMSI

The Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands (RAMSI) is likely to still be in Solomon Islands for at least another four years.

Western Premier Remains Underfire

The Solomon Islands Western Province member for Ward 10, Irrigila on Vella Lavella, Richard Tekefono, says the Western Province Premier, George Lilo has to prove that he has the number to continue to lead the government.

Lilo Holds Successful Meetings

The Solomon Islands Prime Minister, Hon. Gordon Darcy Lilo yesterday attended the opening of the 67th United Nation General Assembly in New York, together with other member States.
Pat McEvoy,69, will journey to the Malaita Province to put into place the John McEvoy Scholarship for Girls, which she has set up with her four daughters.

Grandmother Provides More Opportunities

A United Kingdom grandmother will be travelling thousands of miles to give away scholarships to Solomon Islands youngsters in memory of her late husband who use to work in Malaita.

Six Point Plan for Women in Politics

It will take 50 years for gender balance to be achieved in Asia-Pacific national legislatures if the increase in women's participation in parliaments remains at the current pace, says a UN Development Programme (UNDP) study released this week.

World Bank and Government Signs Project

The Solomon Island Government and the World Bank have together signed a new USD$3m project in Honiara this week.

Calls for Emergency Fund

The Solomon Islands Minister for Environment, Hon. Moffat Fugui, says the country will have to change its attitude towards preparing for any future Disasters.
The Government will find ways to attract the youth population to be interested and more involved in agriculture for the purpose of their own business and food security.

Agriculture to Focus on Youth Involvement

The Solomon Islands Government is now looking at ways to try and engage young people in the much familiar area of agriculture.

Kurukuru Prepares for World Cup

The Solomon Islands 2012 FIFA Futsal World Cup preparations will kick into high gear on October 10 when they play a polished Australian side in a one-off international friendly in Brisbane.
"The reason the Duchess wore the dress was because she believed it to be from the Solomon Islands Government and thought it would be an appropriate gesture."

Royal Attire Mix-up Clarified

Amidst much controvery over the Island Wear of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge to the Island Feast hosted by the Solomon Islands Governor General, the Government House has now released a statement explaining the issue.

Communications and Visibility for SPEITT Project and its Components

[Monday 24th September 2012, Suva, FIJI] Pacific regional organisations are enhancing communications and visibility under the Strengthening Pacific Economic Integration through Trade (SPEITT) Project.
If nothing is done now on replanting the old plantations, there will be huge gaps in the future.

Coconut Becomes Main Focus

Known as the "Tree of Life", the Coconut will once more come to the forefront of food security as the Government moves to revamp the once thriving Solomon Islands industry.

World Bank Increases Assistance

The World Bank and Solomon Islands will today sign a Grant Agreement worth more than 2.7 million US dollars to support Disaster Risk Management and Climate Change Adaptation in the country.

Reserved Seats May Not Be Necessary

The only woman in the Solomon Islands National Parliament, Mrs. Vika Lusibaea says having reserved seats for women may not be necessary if women can get the support from men.
The Western Provincial members claimed the Premier used his influence in dictating allocation of prime sites to certain businesses for free and demanding cash and other personal gains as favors.

Premier Lilo Called on to Resign

Members of the Western Provincial Executive in Solomon Islands have called for the immediate resignation of its Premier, George Solingi Lilo amid serious allegations against his office.

Commonwealth Workshop Comes to End

Young leaders said they need to be included in efforts for good governance and leadership in the Pacific, as the Commonwealth Pacific Youth Leadership and Integrity Conference closed at the Commonwealth Youth Programme Regional Centre in Honiara, Solomon Islands.
For two days the streets were jam-packed with people and cars, wherever Prince William and Kate walked people would run alongside with a breathless excitement.

What Now After Royal Visit?

It's a little bit like a whirlwind has swept through Honiara, Solomon Islands leaving just a puff of dust behind.

USP Fourth Campus Site Earmarked

The Solomon Islands Minister for Lands has announced that a site has been earmarked for the University of the South Pacific's fourth campus.

2012 Budget Under Pressure

The Solomon Islands Finance Minister says the 2012 Budget is under pressure from a lower growth in taxation revenue than was estimated in the original budget.
The Violence Helpline is a 24hour service established to provide support to any victims of violence.

Violence Helpline Established

The Solomon Islands Ministry of Health and Medical Services Social Welfare Division has opened a help-line service for victims of violence in Honiara.

Regional Quarantine and Plant Protection Officers Review Draft Standards

In this age of international travel and trade on a larger scale than ever before, as people and commodities move around the world, organisms that present risks to plants travel with them.

Dunde/Nusa Roviana to Hold By-Election

Seven candidates are eyeing the upcoming by-election for ward 16-Dunde/Nusa Roviana, in the Western Provincial Government in Solomon Islands.

NZ and Solomons Begin Meetings

New Zealand and Solomon Islands officials will begin meetings today to look at how New Zealand's Aid Program will be run over the next three years and evaluate progress made over the past year.

Using Dialogue to Build Relationships

On the eve of the United Nations International Day of Peace, peacebuilders from Fiji, Papua New Guinea (including Bougainville), Solomon Islands and Tonga gathered for the Strengthening Capacities for Peace and Development (CPAD) third workshop on "Sharing and Exploring Pacific Approaches to Dialogue".
Prime Minister Gordon Darcy Lilo, says Solomon Islands remains committed and eager to work with EU towards using such resources to improve the livelihood of it's people.

EU Remains Important Partner

The European Union remains Solomon Islands single largest multilateral development corporation partner.

Community Based Disaster Risk Management Experiences Shared at Pacific Platform

What are some of the best approaches to ensuring that all community resources are recognized and mobilized for disaster risk reduction and management? How can equal participation of men and women be encouraged in this exercise? What are the most effective ways of linking local level projects to the national level?
The Duke of Cambridge's first kick tucked the ball into the bottom right corner, sending the crowd at the Commonwealth Youth Conference in Honiara into spasms of delight.

Youngster Beats Wills

A youngster from the Solomon Islands has taken on the future king of England in a show of football prowess - and won.
"I told them about our community savings project. They asked lots of questions," said Ellison.

Royal Couple Learns Hardship

World Vision hosted the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge who learnt about the organization's work in Burns Creek, a troubled community on the outskirts of Honiara, the capital of the Solomon Islands.
The royal couple donning the TAV dress and shirt for their official visit to the Governor General's home and State Dinner in the capital, Honiara.

Cook Island Outfits Make History

Cook Islands local designer Ellena Tavioni and her label TAV, made fashion history for the Pacific, as the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge wore her beautiful handcrafted designs to the Island feast by the Solomon Islands Governor General.

Preparations Underway for Pacific Plan Review

[17 September 2012, Suva, Fiji] Work is now underway at the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat to prepare for a review of the Pacific Plan.
Kate received the decorative headpiece after meeting women's groups working to improve the status of women in the Solomon Islands.

A True Island Princess

The Duchess of Cambridge was every bit an island princess yesterday in Honiara, Solomon Islands when she was crowned with a headdress of fresh flowers made of frangipani and bougainvillea.

WHO Country Office Upgrades

The United Nations World Health Organisation office in Solomon Islands has been upgraded to a WHO Representative Office.
As they landed on the beach, where they were welcomed with garlands of orchids, the couple took off their shoes.

A Refreshing Night in Tavanipupu

As the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge landed on the tiny dirt airstrip in Marau on the southern tip of the main island of Guadalcanal, they were challenged by fearsome spear-carrying warriors, in white war paint and whooping aggressively.
The Royal Couple during the opening of the Commonwealth St yesterday.

More Relaxed in Solomon Islands

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge began their day yesterday by calling on the Solomon Islands' Prime Minister and his Cabinet where they were given a traditional shell money necklace by the politician.
As they drew up to St Barnabas Cathedral, the noise was deafening, particularly as they dismounted from their ride.

Royal Couple Steal Hearts

Garlanded with fragrant orchids and carried through the capital in a war canoe built on top of a van, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge arrived in the Solomon Islands yesterday.
'Catherine and I were overwhelmed with the warmth of the reception we received this afternoon. Our expectations were pretty high after what the Queen had told us, but nothing had prepared us for the

"Mifala Barava Tagio Tumas"

The Duchess of Cambridge had a last-minute change of wardrobe when she ditched plans to wear to the banquet a dress she had brought from London and chose instead one that she had just been given by her Solomon Islands hosts.
At first glance of the Art by local Artist, Brad Pugeva, all Prince William could manage was a "Wow!"

An Experience of a Lifetime

The Solomon Islands art industry hit a milestone last night with the handover of one of its exotic and unique art by local business woman, Ms. Ruby Lee, to the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge at the Heritage Park Hotel in Honiara, Solomon Islands.
Thousands of screaming fans, who had lined the road since early afternoon, came out in droves to get a glimpse of the Royal duo as they rode past in the back of the travelling vehicle.

Royal Duo Begins Tour of Solomons

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge landed in the tiny country of Solomon Islands to thousands of fans who came out to greet them at the Henderson International Airport.
Prince William and the Duchess of Cambridge will be in Solomon Islands on Sunday.

Marau Sound Prepares for Royal Couple

Further off in East Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands, where Tavanipupu private island resort is situated, the people are tidying up its palm-fringed pathways ahead of a visit by the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.
The Committee will then prepare a report for parliament before the supplementary appropriation bill is debated today in Parliament.

Public Accounts Concludes Hearing

The Solomon Islands Parliamentary Public Accounts Committee has concluded its hearing into the 2012 Supplementary Appropriation Bill 2012, ahead of today's commencement of Parliament sitting.

Call for Justification of UNGA Delegation

The Solomon Islands Opposition Leader has called on Prime Minister to justify the need for a large delegation to the upcoming United Nations General Assembly meeting in New York next month.

Tara Withdraws from UNGA Delegation

A Solomon Islands academic with the University of Hawai'i has withdrawn from the Government delegation to the upcoming United Nations General Assembly in New York.

Foreign Affairs Appears Before Public Accounts

The Solomon Islands Ministry of Foreign Affairs this week went before the Parliamentary Public Accounts Committee requesting an additional $950,000 dollars.
The Office of Prime Minister and Cabinet appeared before the Parliamentary committee under the leadership of Secretary to Cabinet, James Remobatu.

PMO to Request for More Money

The Solomon Islands Office of Prime Minister will be requesting parliament for an additional supplementation of more than eight million dollars during the upcoming sitting.
These recent counterfeits are produced in the value of 50 dollars and 100 dollar bills.

Warning Issued on Counterfeit Notes

The Central Bank of Solomon Islands has advised the general public that new counterfeit notes or fake money are once again circulating within the economy.

Tributes to Father of Pacific Journalism

They brought late John Lamani's coffin on the back of a blue cab truck to the Anglican Cathedral in Honiara Solomon Islands.

New Zealand Beats Solomons in Qualifiers

The Pacific's top-ranked side have indicated they are still likely to be the team to beat in Stage 3 of Oceania qualifying for the 2014 FIFA World Cup with their second successive win of the tournament this evening, a 6-1 success over Solomon Islands in the first match of the second round.

Lilo Conveys Condolence to Lamani Family

The Solomon Islands Prime Minister, Hon. Gordon Darcy Lilo has expressed condolences on behalf of the Government and people of Solomon Islands to the family of the Solomon Star Publisher, Fr. John Lamani.
SPREP Director-General, Mr. David Sheppard launching the Pacific Climate Change Portal

The Pacific Climate Change Portal

The Pacific Climate Change Portal was launched in Noumea at the 23rd Annual Meeting of the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme.
The late Father Lamani founded the Solomon Star newspaper in the early 1980's and initially expanded the company's profile to establish Paoa FM radio station in the late 1990's.

Prominent Media Figure Passes

The Media Association of Solomon Islands (MASI) is mourning the sudden passing away of the pioneering Publisher and owner of the country's leading daily newspaper, the Solomon Star.
Saohaga's best throw in competition was a distance of 5.23 metres, setting a personal-best career throw for the athlete.

Hellen Outdo Personal Best

When Solomon Islander Hellen Saohaga finished fifteenth in Saturday's women's shot put - F57/58, she set a personal best and became the second-highest finishing Solomon Islander ever in Olympic and Paralympic competition.

Warning Over Fake Recruitment Agents

Australia and Solomon Islands are on the look out for bogus recruitment agencies trying to cash in on the Seasonal Workers Scheme.

Home Crowd Thrilled Over Win

Last Friday, the Solomon Islands soccer team beat Tahiti 2-0 in Honiara to open the third stage of Oceania qualifying for the 2014 World Cup, while New Zealand grabbed a valuable 2-0 away win over New Caledonia.
Dr Sikua says the proposed motion was a collective decision by Parliamentarians in the Opposition and the Independent Group.

Sikua Confirms Submission of Motion Notice

The Solomon Islands Opposition leader, Hon. Derek Sikua has confirmed submitting a notice of a Motion of No-Confidence against Prime Minister, Hon. Gordon Darcy Lilo.

How Old are these Fish? Regional Cooperation on Fishery Science Training at SPC and IRD

Six Pacific Island fisheries officers now have new skills in techniques for determining reef fish age and growth parameters after attending a training course last week at the French Institute of Research for Development (IRD) and Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC) in Noumea, New Caledonia.

Reference Group on Sexual and Gender Based Violence Welcomes Gender Declaration

The Pacific Islands Forum Reference Group to Address Sexual and Gender Based Violence (SGBV) has welcomed the adoption by Pacific Island Forum Leaders of the Pacific Leaders' Gender Equality Declaration at their 2012 meeting in Rarotonga, Cook Islands.

Oceania Stage Three World Cup Qualifiers Begins

The road to Brazil 2014 begins again today with Solomon Islands hosting Oceania champions Tahiti in Honiara and New Zealand travelling to Noumea to take on New Caledonia in a repeat of the OFC Nations Cup semi-finals.

Pre-Premiers Conference Underway

A three-day Pre-Provincial Premiers Conference began in Honiara this week ahead of the Premiers' Conference proper in Makira-Ulawa Province next Month.
The Auluta Basin will host a major Oil Palm Project which had undergone discussion over a span of a few years.

Greener Lights for Auluta Oil Palm Project

The Solomon Islands Government will today hand over Registered Land Titles to 10 tribes within the Auluta Basin area in East Malaita.

City Mayor Refuses to Resign

Honiara City Lord Mayor maintains his refusal to resign despite being deserted by members his executive. He says resigning is an act of guilt or admission of wrongdoing.
The Palace has released new details of their itinerary - including confirmation of a private second honeymoon in Solomon Islands.

Prince William and Kate's Program Released

Prince William and Kate will embark on an eight day tour of Asia Pacific beginning next week. The trip is a continuation of the Diamond Jubilee World Tour celebrating the Queen's 60th year of reign.
Mr Hall warns that it could be 2015 before construction starts, with first power expected in 2017.

Solomon Islands Close to Getting Hydro-power

The final proposal for Solomon Islands' long-awaited Tina River hydro-power scheme is expected to be ready to go to the government in early 2013.

Solomons to Learn More from Fiji Consumer Laws

A Solomon Islands delegation from the Price Control Division were in Fiji last week for discussions on current and future cooperation with Fiji's Ministry of Industry and Trade.

Last Batch of Bechdemer Arrives in Honiara

The Solomon Islands Government, last Sunday collected the last batch of bech-de-mer from the tiny island of Ontong Java after the people voluntarily surrendered the bags last week to the Ministry of Fisheries.
Since this will be the first sitting of the year, many interesting issues are likely to be discussed in this sitting.

Parliamentary Sitting Date Confirmed

The Solomon Islands National Parliament will meet for the first time this year on September 14th.
Helen Saohaga, a seated thrower, was offered a wildcard entry to the London Games after contesting her first proper competition in Brisbane in March.

Helen Proud of Her Aussie Wheels

One of the proudest people at this morning's flag bearer ceremony for the six Oceania nations to compete at the 2012 Paralympic Games was Hellen Saohaga, the Solomon Islands' first Paralympian and their only competitor for London.
"Our traditional crops do well during such dry spells, rice farmers will have to consider diversifying their crops as it will be a challenge to expect good rice harvest."

Bureau Warns of El Nino Conditions

Solomon Islands looks set to experience the same weather conditions in 2009 where much of the country did not experience much rain, resulting in poor crop harvests.

SPC Helps Unemployed Youths in Honiara

A programme facilitated by the Secretariat of the Pacific Community, SPC, in Solomon Islands is helping 500 young people improve their chances of gaining employment.
Organizers are appealing to the public to show the same respectful behavior and attitude as they have throughout the recent Pacific Arts festival.

Program for Royal Visit Almost Finalized

Organizers of the upcoming royal visit by the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, Prince William and his wife Catherine, say the program of the visit is close to being finalized.
Leaders of Kiribati, Nauru and Marshall Islands shake hands after signing the tri-lateral treaty

Pacific Leaders Settle Areas of National Maritime Jurisdiction

Rarotonga 29/08/12 - At the 43rd Pacific Islands Forum meeting here in Rarotonga this week, a unique event was witnessed when the Leaders of seven (7) Pacific Island Countries signed and exchanged a total of eight (8) Maritime Boundary Agreements.

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