Latest News Archive December 2013
Hundreds Survive Ferry sinking
Authorities in Solomon Islands say it's lucky no one died when a ferry carrying nearly 400 people sank.
Julian Marley to Launch “Iumi Wan Festival” in 2014
2014 marks an important year for our nation. With numerous events planned out for 2014, Rebelle Inc is proud to present, Julian Marley – the son of Reggae Royalty, Bob Marley and the Uprising band, in the inauguration of the ‘Iumi Wan Festival’ on the 8th of January 2014.
Earthquake Hits Lata, 5.1 Magnitude
The US Geological Survey (USGS) has reported a 5.1 magnitude earthquake has hit Lata East of the Solomon Islands. The epicenter of the earthquake was underwater at a depth of 25.6 km (15.9 m). No tsunami warning was issued for the surrounding area.
New Caledonia Returns Solomon Islands Red Feather Money
The Museum of New Caledonia (MNC) and Solomon Islands National Museum (SINM) are participating in a cultural exchange - the return of the traditional red feather money (te vau). Red feather money is considered a national treasure by the people of the Solomon Islands.
Passenger Boat Sinks Off Ngella Islands
A local passenger vessel, the MV Francis Gerena, has sunk between Ngella in the Central Islands and Malaita Province.
Sixty Nationals Awarded Australian Scholarship
Australia’s Foreign Minister Julie Bishop has congratulated 60 Solomon Islanders who will receive Australia Awards scholarships to study at Australian or regional universities next year.
Australia Commits to Preventing Family Violence
Australia’s Foreign Minister, Julie Bishop yesterday announced that Australia will provide an additional A$5 million for the Prevention of Family Violence Program to help prevent incidents of family violence in Solomon Islands.
Airport Closes Indefinitely
Malaita Province's Gwaunaru’u airport is currently being closed indefinitely after landowners claim that their Memorandum of Understanding with the Government was breached.
Trade Envoy Clarifies Last Week’s PACP Meetings in Honiara
For anyone to suggest that the Pacific ACP internal meetings and their meeting with the EU Trade Commissioner held in Honiara last week were orchestrated by the Forum Secretariat is simply not true.This was highlighted by Robert Sisilo the country’s trade envoy in a statement.
Fight Against Malaria with Bed Net Distribution
By boat, truck or foot – tyranny of distance no barrier for distribution of bed nets to stop malaria.
Fiji Will Help Kiribati in Climate Change Crisis
Fiji's Prime Minister has stated that his country will help Kiribati even though there are some aspects to consider as the climate change crisis escalates.
Marijuana Plantation Worth SBD$14 Million Raided
The Royal Solomon Islands Police and the Participating Police force have raided several hectares of Marijuana plants with a combined street value of SBD$14 million dollars.
Allegations Against Rick Hou Inaccurate: LCC
Chairman of the Leadership Code Commission (LCC) says recent newspaper reports on LCC charges against Finance Minister Rick Hou and his Permanent Secretary, Shadrach Fanega, are 'inaccurate and came from information that was obtained illegally'.
GG Appoints Cohen as Acting Auditor General
The Governor General His Excellency Sir Frank Kabui has formally appointed Mr Robert Cohen as Acting Auditor General today.
Rising Fiscal Challenges in the Pacific in 2014 - ADB
WELLINGTON, NEW ZEALAND – Fiscal pressures are expected to increase in the Pacific in 2014, according to the latest issue of the Asian Development Bank’s (ADB) Pacific Economic Monitor, launched today at the offices of the New Zealand Aid Programme.
Government Progresses Development of National Peace building Policy
The Solomon Islands Government has progressed the development of a National Peace Building Policy with the convening of a two-day peace stake-holders consultation workshop in Honiara from 26 – 27 November 2013.