Economy Archive April 2009
79 articlesSolomon Islands Census Receives US$1 million Boost
Outgoing Australian High Commissioner Mr. Peter Hooton signed an agreement last week with UNFPA, United Nations Population Fund to contribute over US$1 million to the Solomon Islands Population and Housing Census 2009.
Root Causes of Unrest Must be Investigated: TRC Chairman
Chairman of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, Dean of the Saint Barnabas Cathedral in Honiara, Father Sam Ata, has said he joins other Solomon Islanders who have been calling on government to investigate the root causes of the ethnic tension.
Police Rescue Drifting Boat
Honiara Police Harbour Patrol rescued five people from their ray boat, after they had been stranded for 10 hours between Gela Islands and Honiara yesterday morning.
TRC Launch Begins Journey towards Lasting Peace: PM Sikua
Prime Minister Dr Derek Sikua says the launch of the Solomon Islands Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) by His Grace Archbishop Desmond Tutu of South Africa is the beginning of a journey towards a peaceful and prosperous Solomon Islands.
Today is a Historic Day: PM Sikua
Prime Minister Derek Sikua has said today marks an important step in the history of Solomon Islands, especially in the efforts as a nation to deal with a difficult chapter in the country's history - the ethnic conflict.
Government Moves to Manage Impact of Global Economic Crises
The Minister for Finance and Treasury, Hon. Snyder Rini has today announced that the Government had agreed on a package of measures to help Solomon Islands manage the impacts of the Global Economic Crisis on the 2009 Budget and the Solomon Islands economy.
Independent Filmmaker Praises Archbishop Tutu
An independent filmmaker from Los Angeles in the US, who has been following the life of Archbishop Tutu for the last 15 years, Karen Hayes, says she believes Archbishop Tutu is bringing with him a lot of wisdom from experience.
Peace Building Requires Courage: Tutu
Noble Peace Prize winner, South African Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu, has officially launched the Solomon Islands Truth and Reconciliation Commission.
RAMSI Mourns Death of Senior ni-Vanuatu Police Officer
The Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands (RAMSI) yesterday announced the sudden death from natural causes of the Commander of the Vanuatu Contingent in RAMSI's Participating Police Force (PPF), Amos Solip.
Reduce Bottlenose Dolphin Export: CITES Committee
The Animal Committee of the Convention on the International Trade of Endangered Species, CITES has recommended that Solomon Islands reduce its annual quota of live bottlenose dolphin export to 10.
Tackling Youth Crime Prevention Together
The Royal Solomon Islands Police Force is actively supporting the work of 10 local Crime Prevention Committees established to deliver educational talks and activities in settlements around Honiara, particularly those with concerns about youth and crime.
Archbishop Tutu Arrives on Historic Trip
Nobel Peace Prize laureate Archbishop Desmond Tutu from South Africa will today arrive on a historic visit to the Solomon Islands.
SBD$10 Million Not Missing After All
The Ministry of Finance and Treasury today clarified recent media reports of an alleged abuse and misuse of SBD$10 million provided by the Republic of China for Cattle Development Project.
SIG Welcomes Interest to Develop Anuha Island Resort
The Solomon Islands Government today welcomed international interests shown by a world renowned Hotelier, Radisson Hotels and Resorts to develop the Anuha Island Resort in the Central Province.
Planned Consultations by Ministry of Public Service
The Solomon Islands Government announced another important step in its ongoing program for improvements in the Public Service.
PM Sikua Announces TRC Team
Prime Minister Dr Derek Sikua has announced a five-member Truth and Reconciliation Commission to probe the root causes of the recent ethnic unrests between 1998 and 2003.
Harbour Patrol Catches Smugglers
A joint patrol by Solomon Islands law enforcement agencies confiscated hundreds of cigarette cartons worth thousands of dollars from a Taiwanese fishing vessel entering Honiara Harbour.
MP Submits Report on Tsunami Fund Assistance
Minister for Public Service and M-P for North Vella la Vella Milner Tozaka yesterday submitted to Home Affairs Minister James Tora a report on the spending of his constituency's SBD$1.3 million dollars of tsunami funds.
Police Tighten Up Security
Police presence will be highly visible on the streets and at various gatherings in Honiara over the next few days.
Missing $10,000,000 Probed by Auditor General
Frustration is growing amongst the public with the missing SBD$10 million dollars earmarked for the revitalization of the cattle industry.
Final Names for TRC Ready for PM
Chairman of the National Selection Committee of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) Chief Justice Sir Albert Palmer today handed over nominees to be formally appointed by the Prime minister.
You Are Targeting the Wrong People: SICHE Director
The Solomon Islands College of Higher Education (SICHE) is under increasing pressure to act on demands placed on them by protesting students, one of which is an increase in allowance.
Fourth Suspect Arrested Over Police Assault Case
Police at Atori have arrested the fourth man believed to be part of a group that assaulted two Police officers at Borderline Police post early this year.
Police Crackdown on Rock Throwing
The Royal Solomon Islands Police Force is issuing a firm warning to individuals, stop throwing rocks or stones at vehicles or "you will face the full force of the law."
British High Commission Extends Provision of BBC World News
The British High Commission in Honiara is pleased to announce its continued funding of BBC World News to Solomon Islands for the next two years, costing SBD$200,000.
Stability Rests More on the People: Dr Roughan
The former head of the Solomon Islands Development Trust is in support of an initiative to strengthen political stability, but questions proposed reforms.
Taiwan Medical Service Mission Arrives in Honiara
A 10 member team of the Taiwan Medical Service Mission has arrived in Honiara.
Archbishop Tutu to Launch TRC on April 29
Archbishop Desmond Tutu from South Africa will be launching the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, TRC, on April 29, 2009.
Man Arrested Carrying Dangerous Explosives
Police arrested a man over the weekend at the Central Magistrate court bus stop in Honiara for carrying around an old World War II Japanese mortar.
NDMO Releases Assessment Report
Initial disaster assessment reports reaching the National Disaster Management Office (NDMO) says communities in South Malaita and in North Guadalcanal has suffered extensive damages during a recent bad weather.
SIVB Launches New Look Website
The Solomon Islands Visitors Bureau officially launched their new Friday night at the Honiara Hotel.
Couple Arrested Selling Kwaso
Honiara City Police Liquor Licensing Squad arrested and charged a 40 year old man and his 20 year old wife for selling kwaso at the Central Markets over the weekend.
Not Me, Says Lilo
Minister for Environment, Conservation and Meteorology and MP for Gizo-Kolombangara Hon Gordon Darcy Lilo categorically denies receiving any money from the ROC-funded Cattle revitalization programme.
Haomae Addresses ACP-EU Joint Parliamentary Assembly
Minister for Foreign Affairs and External Trade, Hon William Haomae, addressed the ACP-EU Joint Parliamentary Assembly at Prague, Czech Republic last week in his capacity as President-In-Office of the Africa, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) Council of Ministers.
RAMSI Special Coordinator Visits Isabel Province
RAMSI Special Coordinator Graeme Wilson visited Buala last week to meet with the Premier of Isabel, his executive, church and community leaders, and traditional chiefs.
Police Arrest Leads to Seizure of Illegal Drugs and Arms
The Royal Solomon Islands Police Force conducted an operation at East Guadalcanal, which resulted in the arrest of three men and the seizure of weapons and about 100 marijuana plants.
Government Starts Retirement Programme
The Solomon Islands Government (SIG) yesterday has announced an important step in its ongoing program to improve and replenish the public service.
SIDT Signs Agreement with Pacific Leaders Program (PLP)
The Solomon Islands Development Trust (SIDT) has signed a partnership agreement with the Pacific Leaders Program (PLP) after extensive exploration, development and work planning activities between PLP and SIDT.
Major Landslide at Paripao, North East Guadalcanal
There is no road access past Bokokibo River on northeast Guadalcanal.
Fijian Nationals Deported for Breaching Immigration Laws
The Solomon Islands Government yesterday deported 10 Fijian Nationals who breached the country's Immigration and Labour laws.
$10,000,000 Cattle Fund Mystery
Prime Minister Dr Derek Sikua has asked for a 'please explain' to the Opposition Leader, Manasseh Sogavare, on how a ten million dollars funding from the Republic of China for cattle rehabilitation was used.
Low Criminal Activities Recorded During Easter Break
Police "Operation Easter" has recorded a low rate of criminal activities during the Easter celebration in Honiara.
Officials Asses Damages in South Malaita
The National Disaster Council (NDC) and the Police have deployed two patrol boats to South Malaita and Longgu on Guadalcanal to carry out assessments of damages caused by the recent bad weather.
ADB Welcomes Opening of Companies Registry Office in Solomon Islands
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) welcomes the opening of the new Companies Registry Office.
Global Economic Crises Hits Home
Minister for Education and Human Resources Development Mathew Wale told Parliament that the Solomon Islands economy is feeling the pinch of the Global Economic Crises.
Australian Minister for Home Affairs Visits Honiara
Australia's Minister for Home Affairs, the Hon Bob Debus MP, has just finished a four-day visit to Solomon Islands. Mr Debus's ministerial responsibilities include justice and policing issues, as well as customs and border protection.
Australian Delegation Supports Regional Partnership
Representatives of RAMSI this week told a high level delegation representing the Australian Government and the Australian Federal Police that the regional partnership to restore peace and prosperity to Solomon Islands was making steady progress.
RSIPF Leaders Discuss Way Forward for the Organisation
Provincial Commanders and Unit Directors met in Honiara over the last week under the auspices of the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) Operations as the host of a special Provincial Commander's conference.
Solomon Islands' New Transport Law to Improve Services, Safety: ADB
Two new transport laws in the Solomon Islands, that are designed to improve services and safety, have been welcomed by the Asian Development Bank (ADB).
Solomon Islands, PNG and FSM Sign MOU on Continental Shelf
Solomon Islands, Papua New Guinea and the Federated States of Micronesia have signed a Memorandum of Understanding, MOU, for cooperation on the Extended Continental Shelf Claims Submission on the Ontong Java Plateau to the United Nations.
Our Telekom Committed to Rural Expansion with Roll out Plan
Our Telekom remains committed on its plan of expanding its Community IP-GSM based rural communication network roll out to the rural areas this year.
RSIPF Better Equipped to Deal with Potential Unrest: Kola
The Royal Solomon Islands Police Force says it is better equipped and prepared to deal with potential unrest in Solomon Islands.
Archbishop Tutu to Hold Reconciliation Conference Here
The Winds of Change Office are organizing a conference on peace and reconciliation, with the special guest being the World-renowned peace activist Archbishop Desmond Tutu.
Gold Ridge Says Report Shows No Cyanide
Gold Ridge Mining Limited (GRML) has confirmed that independent test results show that there was no work-related poisoning of employees due to an alleged leakage from a cyanide storage tank at its mine site at Gold Ridge on Guadalcanal.
Sharing Skills on the Frontline
Four Pacific Island PPF Advisors have contributed to significant outcomes in the safety and wellbeing of the people of Honiara.
TSI Accuses Government of Editing April Riots Report
Transparency Solomon Islands (TSI) has stated that it is very "disappointed that the Commission of Inquiry into the April Riots report has been edited prior to its release."
Parliamentary Foreign Relations Committee Completes Hearing at Marau
The Parliamentary Foreign Relations Committee completed another successful hearing at Marau, East Guadalcanal on Saturday 4 April 2009 at Potau Community High School.
Nomination for Truth and Reconciliation Commission Closes Wednesday
The nomination of Solomon Islanders as commissioners in the Truth and Reconciliation Commission will close at 4pm this Wednesday.
Guts is What it Will Take
It is possible you will never meet in your lifetime a palangi [in Polynesia] or a dim dim in Papua New Guinea [a white man] who sings the same tune as the local people do when it comes to landownership.
GRML Welcomes Proposed Cyanide Investigation
General Manager of Gold Ridge Mining Limited (GRML), Keith Nielsen says the company welcomes government's intention to engage the Commonwealth Secretariat to carry out independent investigation into the alleged cyanide leakages at the Gold Mine area.
Relocation Needed for Low Lying Atoll Dwellers: Maelanga
Member of East Malaita, Hon Manasseh Maelanga, in parliament has called on responsible authorities to start working on a relocation plan for those outer islands affected by the rising sea levels.
Gold Ridge Strike Referred to the Trade Dispute Panel
The Gold Ridge Mining Limited workers' strike has been referred to the Trade Dispute Pane.
Solomon Airlines Launches New Site and Online Booking Tool
The Solomon Airlines has reached a new milestone as it continues to work on improving services to its growing customer base - a new look website and an online booking tool.
Special Committee Formed to Look into National Referral Hospital
The Parliament on Friday passed a motion seeking to establish a committee to look into the medical services provided by the National Referral Hospital.
Australia Announces its Support for the Truth and Reconciliation Commission
Australia's Minister for Trade, Simon Crean, today announced that Australia will provide financial support to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.
Medical Student from Solomon Islands Dies in Fiji
A female student from the Solomon Islands studying in Fiji died yesterday in Suva. The student, Ms. Linly Gali, 23, is from North Malaita.
Human Remains of World War 2 Soldiers Found
Workers of the Heritage Park Hotel have found skeletal remains of World War 2 soldiers.
Concept Paper Seeks Reserved Seats for Women in Parliament
The Ministry of Women, Youth and Children Affairs will soon submit to Cabinet a concept paper on the issue of reserved seats for women in parliament.
Governor General Pardons Lifetime Prisoner
The Governor General, Sir Nathanial Waena, yesterday pardoned a lifetime prisoner for his crime.
Australia's Trade Minister and Parliamentary Secretary Visit Solomon Islands
Minister for Trade Simon Crean and Parliamentary Secretary for International Development Assistance, Bob McMullan, today arrived in the Solomon Islands to consult with their counterparts on a broad range of trade and development issues.
Anniversary of Devastating Earthquake and Tsunami
Today marks the second anniversary of the earthquake and tsunami, which struck parts of Western and Choiseul provinces. Up to fifty lives were tragically lost, houses and properties destroyed and swept away.
Police Seek Information on Woman's Killer
The Royal Solomon Islands Police is urging members of the public to come forward with any information in relation to the violent murder of 25-year-old Burns Creek woman, Betty Gwalomae, last week.
Australia and New Zealand Remember Victims of 2007 Tsunami
Australia and New Zealand have reaffirmed their commitment to the ongoing recovery and rebuilding of tsunami-affected communities in Solomon Islands.
Government Confident Reforms Will Achieve Long Term Stability
The Government is confident to achieve its push for constitutional and legislative reforms aimed at securing long-term political stability and to improve governance in the country.
CSP Supports PFNet
Thanks to AusAid's Community Sector Programme (CSP) People First Network (PFNet) shall be able to enhance the technical capacity of its rural email stations. Dr Charles G Kick, Community Development Manager of CSP and David Junior Ma'ai, PFNet Manager signed on behalf of their respective organizations.
Police Commissioner Works to Improve Policing in the Solomon Islands
Newly appointed Police commissioner for the Royal Solomon Islands Police Peter Marshall, stated, soon after he was sworn in, that he would continue to work hard to improve policing in the Solomon Islands.
Government Confident of Changing Political Landscape
Government is confident that it will bring about fundamental changes to the current political landscape, to ensure that there is greater stability in the future.
Foreign Investors Increase Substantially
The Government today has announced a boost in foreign investment, two years after the Foreign Investment Act 2005 came into force.
Boy Dies from Drowning at Burns Creek River
Royal Solomon Islands Police Forensic unit and National Investigation unit officers in Honiara are investigating the accidental death of a four year old boy late yesterday afternoon at Burns Creek area.
