Latest News Archive August 2013 News

EU Fund Released for Country

The financing agreement for the second European Union Solomon Islands Technical Cooperation Facility (TCF II) has been signed this week in Honiara.

The Solomon Islands saw some of the fiercest fighting of World War II, so a great deal of unexploded ordnance still litters many of the islands to this day.

"Operation Render Safe" Planned for Solomons

About two hundred navy personnel from five countries will soon be deployed to Solomon Islands to address explosive war remnants in Central Province and Guadalcanal Province.

Mining Company Denies Pollution Claims

The owners of the Gold Ridge mine in Solomon Islands are denying it is polluting the river downstream of the tailings dam.

Students of Strathcona Baptist Girls' Grammar School in Australia have collected thousands of coloured pencils to donate to children at Florence Young Christian School and Gwauaoa Village Primary School in the Solomon Islands.

Australian Girls Looks Forward to Solomon Visit

Solomon Islands customs officers may be in for a surprise next month if they ask to inspect the luggage of one Canterbury school group.

Anna was working with the United Nations Development Program in the Solomon Islands under the Human Security Project on "Tensions" Reduction, Reconciliation and Rehabilitation. One achievement of her work was conducting a training on Peace Building to about 300 unemployed youths in the Solomon Islands.

Anna Returns Home

Anna Crumley-Effinger has returned home this week to share stories from her internship in the Solomon Islands as part of her studies as a Rotary Club Peace Fellow.

Solomon Airlines having a lot of trouble with blown tyres and damage to the aircraft on the Nusatupe airstrip will now be the thing of the past.

Nusatupe Receive Final Touches

A remote runway in Solomon Islands is due to be completed by next week, as the final part of New Zealand’s biggest single aid package.

Local Postie Returns Home

Tumby Bay residents in Australia will be pleased to see the return of their local Post Office manager Danielle Morton, who is back home after running a post office for deployed officers in Solomon Islands.

Discussions Begin on ICT Policy

The Ministry of Communication and Aviation in collaboration with the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) will hold a consultation workshop on the development of the “Solomon Islands ICT Policy and Strategic Plan” in Honiara today.

Correctional Services Strengthen Ties

A Fiji Corrections Service delegation is currently visiting the Solomon Islands to view how its Solomon Islands counterpart administers its correctional facilities.

Heads of Mission Consultations Commended

The Solomon Islands Minister of Foreign Affairs and External Trade, Hon. Clay Forau Soalaoi have commended the recently concluded Heads of Missions national consultation meeting in Honiara last week.

Two-way trade between Indonesia and Solomon Islands was valued at SBD$105 million in 2012 with an average annual increase of 17.28 % over the past five years alone.

Let’s Focus on the Economic Gains: Lilo

The Office of the Prime Minister and Cabinet (OPMC) has hit back at civil society groups urging them to look beyond the costs associated with the trip to Indonesia.

Finance Minister Hou stated that Mr. Rarawa has proven that he is capable to handle the responsibilities of the Central Bank and that a number of projects he initiated are still on-going, as such, it would be important for him to complete these projects.

CBSI Governor Gets Contract Extension

The Solomon Islands Minister for Finance and Treasury Hon Rick Hou has announced the extension of Mr Denton Rarawa's contract for a further term.

Consumer Affairs Takes Tough Approach

The Solomon Islands Government’s Consumer Affairs and Price Control Department is seeking to increase penalties on shop owners who continue to sell expired or defective goods.

Prime Minister Lilo, in an earlier statement, says there is a need to look beyond the cost of the trip and focus on the economic gains for the country.

Civil Society Groups Condemn PM’s Trip

Prime Minister Gordon Darcy Lilo is under heavy criticism over his trip to Indonesia, with the Joint Civil Society Group, JCSG, describing it as “a waste of taxpayers’ money.”

Resource Owners Receive Saw Mills

The Government this week handed over eleven saw milling machines to rural recipients during a ceremony at the Ministry of Forestry and Research Headquarters in Honiara.

Provincial Election Dates Announced

The Ministry of Provincial Government and Institutional strengthening has announced September 26 as Election Day for Western and Choiseul Provinces as well as by-elections for Ward 4 (Lipe/Temoa) of Temotu Province and Ward 6 (Mugihenua) of Rennell and Bellona Province.

SIWIBA Looks for More Opportunities

A group representing Solomon Islands business women is hoping plans to operate a daily flea market in the capital will soon be approved.

SINU Signs with USP

The University of the South Pacific signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Solomon Islands National University (SINU), on Thursday 8 August, 2013, at the USP Laucala Campus in Suva.

Tougher Business Laws Called For

The Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce says tougher law enforcement is needed to stop foreigners taking jobs that are reserved for the country’s citizens.

Directors for Economic Growth Center Announced

The Public Service Commission has finally appointed nine Directors out of ten to the Economic Growth Center Division who will be directly responsible for the planning, coordination, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of Government’s Economic Growth Center Policy.

High Commissioner to Fiji, Patterson Oti and HIgh Commissioner to PNG, Mr. William Haomae during the consultation with stakeholders.

Heads of Missions Hold Consultation

A four days National Consultation workshop by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade (MFAET) for the country’s overseas Heads of Missions (HOM) and other relevant stakeholders is currently underway in Honiara.

Lilo Rebuffs Opposition Claims

“The Opposition needs a bit of economic lecture to understand how we connect to international trade,” says Prime Minister Gordon Darcy Lilo when rebuffing recent criticisms against his visit to Indonesia.

Solomon Islands Prime Minister, Hon. Lilo was stopped last Saturday at a security checkpoint and asked to submit to the random test.

Australia Apologizes to Lilo

Australia has apologized to Solomon Islands Prime Minister Gordon Darcy Lilo after a lapse in protocol saw him swabbed for explosives at Brisbane airport.

Opposition Questions Funding for Indonesian Trip

Solomon Islands Opposition Leader Dr. Derek Sikua has accused the Prime Minister of lying about the funding source for his trip to Indonesia.

ANZ Announces Profits

Last week ANZ Bank has announced a profit of A$4.8 billion (K10.9 billion) for the nine months to June 30, up 11% from the same period last year.

Sikua Calls to Halt Payment

Solomon Islands Opposition Leader, Hon. Dr Derek Sikua wants the government to halt a proposed SBD$2m pay out to the Kazukuru Land Trust Board of Munda.

Munda Airport Upgrade Looks to Open Opportunities

A New Zealand-funded project to upgrade airport facilities in the remote Western Province of the Solomon Islands will benefit international airlines servicing the Pacific island nation's capital of Honiara.

Mr. Kemuel Laeta of the Ministry for National Unity, Reconciliation and Peace facilitating the discussion on national reconciliation and peace-building efforts.

Youths Actively Engage for Sustainable Peace

For the past month, over 250 youths have participated in a series of weekly training sessions on “Peace-building and Reconciliation” facilitated by the UNDP’s Human Security project as part of the Youth at Work program.

Local Police Warned

Solomon Islands’ acting police commissioner, Juanita Matanga has warned that officers who collude with members of the public will be dealt with severely.

New Opening hours for Fiji Internet Shops

All internet shops in Fiji will now open until the hours allowed under their specific business license, says Fiji Prime Minister Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama.

Free West Papua Campaign Office Opens

The Free West Papua Campaign has opened its office in the Hague, in the Netherlands.

Disagreements Arise Over Munda Airport

A Group of landowning tribes claiming original ownership over the Munda international Airport are threatening to close the airport over what they claim as being left out of negotiations for the national infrastructure on their land.

Royal or Not, Birth Registration is a Fundamental Right

The newborn son of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge made global news again this month, with the public release of his birth certificate.

Australian Arrested

An Australian national was arrested last week at Airport Motel for tearing a $50 note in half, giving part of it to the taxi driver who dropped him at the motel.

Some of the descendants of Solomon Islanders at their Maniava village in Ra, Fiji.

Descendants in Search for Answers

Descendants of a tribe from the Solomon Islands residing in the heart of the Ra Province are searching for clues on how and when their ancestors first arrived into the country.

As part of the programme, the Prime Minister visited unmarked graves of Solomon Islanders and other Melanesian men, women and children who worked as slaves during the blackbirding days.

Lilo Attends Blackbirding Anniversary

Solomon Islands Prime Minister, Hon. Gordon Darcy Lilo has paid tribute to Solomon Islanders who were part of the South Sea Islanders taken as slaves to Queensland, Australia 150 years ago.

Climate Change Funds Critical for Pacific Islands

By Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat

Press Statement - Forum Economic Ministers have stressed the critical and urgent need for financing to effectively respond to climate change.

Violence Against Women Discussed Regionally

Twenty-six representatives from six Pacific Island countries are in Suva this week for a five-day regional workshop to develop concrete action plans to address high rates of violence against women in the region.

Calls to Arrest Riumana Seen as Pointless

Member of Parliament for Kia-Hograno Selwyn Riumana says calls by the Anti-Corruption Network of Solomon Islands for the police to arrest and charge him was unnecessary.

Lilo Questioned Over Comments on West Papua

The Solomon Islands deputy opposition leader has questioned the Prime Minister’s comments on West Papua while in Jakarta.

Munda runway is the centerpiece of a major infrastructure investment programme by the governments of New Zealand and Solomon Islands.

McCully Opens Munda Airstrip

New Zealand Foreign Affairs Minister Murray McCully yesterday opened the new Munda runway and Noro-Munda road in the Western Province of Solomon Islands.

Asylum Issues Meets Condemnation

Claims by the Australian government that its new policy of sending asylum seekers arriving by boat to Papua New Guinea or Nauru is a success have been met with condemnation by several Indonesian human rights and legal aid organizations.

New Ambulance Received

Solomon Islands Ministry of Health and Medical Services has taken delivery of a new ambulance, thanks to the New Zealand amphibious sea lift ship HMNZS CANTERBURY for the delivery.

Billions Lost Due to Weak Mining Policies

Papua New Guinea has been losing billions of kina in mineral resources due to lack of strong policies and capacity to properly monitor and regulate the industry.

The Kazukuru people in the Noro/Munda have been acknowleged for their gift of land in 1958 to build the Munda airport and continued support for the upgrading of the same airport to international standards.

Kazukuru Board Sign Agreement

The National Coalition for Rural Advancement (NCRA) Government yesterday signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the Kazukuru Land Trust Board Inc (KLTB) of Western Province.

More Support from Local Police Called For

A local Solomon Islands’ Youth leader in Malaita province says local police officers do not often respond to family violence call outs.

'Nokim Daon Vaelens' Reach Out to Community Workers

Solomon Islands Planned Parenthood Association (SIPPA) together with Ministry of Health and Medical Services – Social Welfare Division Gender Based Violence Program are implementing a project funded by the British High Commission called ‘Nokim Daon Vaelens’.

Students Receive Allowance

Solomon Island students at the USP received their allowances yesterday after a long wait.

Coastal Fisheries in the Pacific ‘a mixed report’

By Secretariat of the Pacific Community

A new report on the status of reef and near-shore fisheries of Pacific Islands has delivered a mixed verdict about their health.

President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono (left) guides Solomon Islands Prime Minister Gordon Darcy Lilo around Bogor State Palace in West Java on Monday. The two leaders held a bilateral meeting on Monday.

Papua Progress Discussed

Indonesian President, Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and Solomon Islands Prime Minister, Gordon Darcy Lilo discussed restive Papua among other issues during their bilateral meeting in Bogor, West Java, on Monday.

Bouncer Charged for Murder

Forty-eight year old bouncer, Kameli Bolaitamana has appeared in the Suva Magistrates Court for a charge of murder of a Solomon Islands student studying in Fiji.

Business As Usual for Bemobile

Bemobile, Solomon Islands second mobile phone service provider says it will be business as usual for the country.

At the game announcement from left, Jardine Bobongie, David Simpson, Joe Fatnowna and Dane Campbell.

Australian Solomon Islanders Gear up for International Match

Mackay Cutters co-captain Jardine Bobongie will proudly represent his Solomon Islands heritage when Virgin Australia Stadium hosts its first international rugby league match on October 5.

SINU Vice Chacellor Dr Glynn Galo shakes hand with FNU Vice Chacellor Dr Ganesh Chand.

National Universities Establish Partnership

Fiji National University (FNU) and the Solomon Islands National University (SINU) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding on FNU’s Nasinu Campus.

Drama Group Tackles Violence Issues

A new theater group in the Solomon Islands has set its sights on helping to reduce gender-based violence.

Community Development Projects Signed

A financing Agreement for 168 community projects funded by the Solomon Islands Government through the Rural Development Program (RDP) has been signed in Honiara yesterday.

Corporate Direction for Visitors Bureau Launched

The Minister of Culture and Tourism, Hon. Samuel Manetoali has officially launched the new Corporate Direction for the Solomon Islands Visitors Bureau (SIVB).

The Hon. Lilo greeted by the Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono upon arrival at the palace yesterday.

Lilo Visits Indonesia

Solomon Islands Prime Minister Gordon Darcy Lilo meets Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono at Bogor State Palace in West Java yesterday.

Made up of a particular group of Solomon Island students at the University of the South Pacific, the pan pipers have been performing since the 1980s when the first Solomon Island students started attending the regional institute.

USP Panpipers Still Going Strong

The Solomon Islands Masina Pan Pipers is probably one of the oldest surviving music groups in Fiji even though they have not officially released an album nor gained popularity like our mainstream music acts in the country.

Business Owner Calls for Support from Women

A Solomon Islands local timber business owner is calling on all women to support other women running for parliament as the country gears up for the 2014 election.

Australian High Commissioner, Matt Anderson and some of the graduates.

More Graduate from APTC

115 Solomon Islands students graduated from the Australia Pacific Technical College (APTC) on Wednesday at a special ceremony in Honiara - the largest APTC graduation ceremony held in Solomon Islands.

Solomons Chaired FOC Successfully

The Solomon Islands delegation had successfully chaired the Forum Officials Committee (FOC) meeting held in Suva last week.

As one of its projects, World Vision is implementing longer term tsunami recovery projects in the areas of Early Childhood Education and child friendly spaces.

World Vision Happy with Temotu Project Progress

Six months after the tsunami in Temotu Province of Solomon Islands, World Vision has effectively assisted thousands of families through a US$ 810,449 response.

Lilo Looks Forward to Sustainable Development

Solomon Islands Prime Minister, Hon. Gordon Darcy Lilo returned yesterday after participating at the recent Pacific Islands Development Forum in Fiji with the aim to promote sustainable development for the country.

Football Federation Still Confident to Begin League

There are currently some doubts as to whether the Solomon Islands National Soccer League season will still kick off this year.

Putting Knowledge Into Action: Wallis and Futuna Leads in Disaster Preparedness with Support

By Secretariat of the Pacific Community

Putting knowledge into action: Wallis and Futuna leads in disaster preparedness with support from SPC and the European Union

The Anniversary commemorated yesterday at the US War Memorial marked the landing of American Marines and Allied Forces on 7 August 1942 on Guadalcanal during World War 2.

World War 2 Heroes Commemorated

Solomon Islands Deputy Prime Minister, Hon. Manasseh Maelanga has paid tribute to the men and women who fought and died during World War 2 in Solomon Islands.

Delegation to Attend Blackbirding Anniversary

Ten artists and weavers will represent Solomon Islands at the 150th Anniversary of Australian South Sea Islander History commemorations in Australia.

Rural Communities Reap Benefits from Coconuts

By Secretariat of the Pacific Community

Creating income-generating opportunities for rural people in Samoa is at the heart of an initiative that engages small-scale famers to produce virgin coconut oil for export.

Government to be More Transparent with Budget

In discussing the new Public Financial Management Act, Solomon Islands Minister for Finance and Treasury, the Hon. Rick Hou said that a key feature contained in the Act is the new fiscal responsibility provisions.

Government to Borrow Cautiously Under New Act

Solomon Islands Minister of Finance and Treasury, Hon Rick Hou, announced that the new Public Financial Management Act will facilitate better decisions on Government Borrowing, On-lending and Guarantees.

Prime Minister Lilo says his country's complicated land ownership status, and strong sense of community following years of ethnic tension means he wasn't prepared to part of Australia's plans.

Lilo Says No to "Pacific Solution"

Prime Minister of Solomon Islands, Hon. Gordon Lilo Darcy says his country is not interested in being part of the Australian Government's 'Pacific Solution' for asylum seekers.

Solomons to Learn from Sri Lanka

Solomon Islands Permanent Representative to the United Nations Collin Beck says the country has a lot to learn from the experience of Sri Lanka as the two countries formally established diplomatic relations last month.

Varivao in Fiji to Promote Products

Solomon Islands coffee producers, Varivao Holding Ltd is one of the forty companies within the Region currently in Fiji to promote their products and services at the annual Melanesian Spearhead Group road show.

Local Farmer Calls for Support

A local cocoa and coconut farmer in Solomon Islands says the funds distributed by their Members of Parliament are not reaching the local farmers in the rural areas.

The course of instruction began on August 1st when 15 Solomon Islander students learned about pig nutrition, housing, diseases and other relevant topics.

Gizo Locals Receive Basic Veterinary Training

World Vets volunteers and U.S. Army veterinary technicians are providing hands-on training for Solomon Island paravets and livestock officers during Pacific Partnership programme.

Randy Solomon, president of the Western Province Council of Women said she was grateful that her organization was chosen to receive the donations as well as meet the people of Pacific Partnership.

Pacific Partnership Supports Western Province Women

Pacific Partnership 2013 Sailors and nongovernmental organization volunteers delivered Project Handclasp donations to the Solomon Islands Western Province Council of Women during a community service event on August 3.

Concerns Raised Over Parliamentary Committee

Solomon Islands local pressure group, the Malaita Ma'asina Forum (MMF) says the Parliamentary Entitlements Committee (PEC)is "lazy and politicised" and must be removed.

For decades, logging has played a central role for the economy of the Solomon Islands and with the recent serious effects of logging, the Government is now putting harsher measures.

Government Ventures into Tougher Measures for Logging

The Solomon Islands Government has announced that it will take tougher measures on logging industries operating in the country.

Scouts and Coast Watchers Receive Medallions

Solomon Islands Scouts and Coast watchers have been formally recognized for the role they played in World War II, through the presentation of the first Solomon Islands Scouts and Coast watchers Medallion last week.

Sae Remains a Threat

Solomon Islands police are still seeking Edmond Sae, who escaped from their custody in 2003 , in connection with the murder of the former Police Commissioner and Peace Councillor, Sir Frederick Soaki in February of that year.