Economy Archive May 2009
78 articlesSolomon Airlines and Air Niugini Agree on Revised Terms of Code-Share Agreement
Solomon Airlines and Air Niugini have agreed on a revised Terms of Code-Share Agreement to and from Fiji.
Quick Response by Fire Crew Saves Kindergarten
Rapid response by Royal Solomon Islands Police Force's Fire Services helped save the YWCA kindergarten building from total destruction yesterday afternoon.
Couple Arrested as Police Declare War on Kwaso
Police have arrested a man and his wife at Mbokona heights for brewing kwaso at their home, after Police gathered information on the illegal activities and raided their property.
Two Men Arrested at Tetere Kwaso Raid
Police yesterday raided a private residence at Soso village at Tetere and arrested two men aged in their 30s for illegally brewing the home brewed liquor, Kwaso.
Health Minister Recovering Well at Saint Vincent Hospital
The Minister of Health and Medical Services, Hon. Martin Maga is reported to be recovering well at Saint Vincent Hospital in Sydney, Australia.
Look Out for Fake Notes: CBSI
The Central Bank of Solomon Islands, CBSI, says it strongly believes a number of fake one hundred dollar and fifty dollar local notes are circulating in the country.
Liquor and Cigarettes Seized from Foreign Fishing Vessel
A joint patrol by law enforcement agencies to tackle illegal activities on Honiara harbour led to the seizure of a large quantity of liquor and cigarettes yesterday morning at Point Cruz harbour.
Man Refused Bail on Money Laundering Case
A West Guadalcanal man was today refused bail and remanded in custody for another fortnight after appearing in Honiara Magistrate's Court over money laundering offences.
No Laws to Deal With HIV and AIDS
As the country faces the real possibility of a rise in HIV-positive cases next year, Solomon Islands is still without specific laws to deal with HIV and AIDS prevention and management.
Killing the Ocean
World Ocean Conference and Coral Triangle Initiative participants should urgently consider nutrient pollution is killing coral as photographic evidence indicates, not CO<sup style='color: black'>2</sup> induced climate change. Wrong diagnosis can be fatal.
ACP Council Gets Underway
The 89th Session ACP Council of Ministers opened today with the second five-yearly revision of the Cotonou Agreement with the European Union, the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPAs), and threats of the financial crisis to ACP member states, among the major issues to be discussed.
PM Sikua Seeks More Funding Assistance from Japan
Prime Minister Dr Derek Sikua has requested the Japanese government to consider funding more projects in tertiary education, renewable energy and mining sectors under its next funding cycle.
Solomon Islands Joins Global Day of Prayer
Christians in Solomon Islands have been invited to participate in the Global Day of Prayer this coming Sunday, 31st May.
Gela Communities Miserable Over Fishing Projects
Communities on Gela Islands in the Central Islands Province are demanding answers from responsible government authorities after their fishing project applications were unsuccessful.
Central Islanders Want Additional Constituencies
Leaders and people of Central Islands Province have called on responsible National Government authorities to create two additional constituencies to help address inadequacies in the distribution of government funded projects in the province.
Prominent Lawyer Taken to Court
Prominent Honiara lawyer and owner of A and A Legal Services, Charles Ashley is facing two lawsuits for allegedly swindling more than SBD$ 2 million dollars of trust funds belonging to former clients.
Police Appeal for Eyewitnesses to Rape
The RSIPF Sexual Assault unit is appealing to the public for eyewitnesses, to the alleged rape of a 19 year old student near the Chinatown Bridge around 7pm on Friday.
ADB and World Bank Pledge Funding Support for Solomon Island
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the World Bank have pledged to provide funding support to Solomon Islands to address budgetary and balance of payment challenges attributed to the impacts of the global economic crisis.
OCTA Extremely Important in PACER Plus Negotiations: Director Trade
"The office of the Chief Trade Advisor (OCTA) will be extremely important to us, not just during negotiations, but in helping us to get ready for PACER Plus," Director of Trade Heinz Vaekesa said after returning from a recent trip to Vanuatu.
PM Sikua Meets Japanese Leaders
Prime Minister Derek Sikua and delegation yesterday in Tokyo met with various Japanese leaders of the Japan-Solomon Islands Friendship Association.
Police Target Kwaso and Weapons in the Streets
The Royal Solomon Islands Police have warned they will be targeting the illegal trade and drinking of kwaso as well as people going armed in public without lawful cause.
Family Seek SBD$200,000 Compo
The family of the Late Billy Toito'ona, who was stabbed to death last weekend, has demanded SBD$200,000 in compensation for the fatal incident.
RAMSI to Build 200 New Houses for Police
The Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands (RAMSI) is to build 200 houses for the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) over the next four years with funds granted in the latest Australian budget.
Police Fire Drills Put ANZ Bank Staff to the Test
The fire safety knowledge of bank staff from the ANZ Bank's Point Cruz branch was put to the test early this morning when the Police Fire Service initiated a fire evacuation drill at 8.30am.
Police Monitor Tense Situation at Kaibia Heights
Police Commissioner Peter Marshall today urged all parties to show calm after major disturbances at Kaibia Heights last night activated call outs of the police tactical squads.
Government Halts Recruitment as Financial Situation Worsens
The Government has announced an indefinite freeze on recruitment to vacant positions, as well as on the creation of new positions within the Solomon Islands public service.
Bulu Communities Resort to "Self-Help"
Desperate is the best word to describe the current situation at Bulu, a small community in south Malaita. During freak storms in early April, more than two hundred homes were flattened.
Police Help Red Cross Ship Safe Water Storage across the Sea
Marine Police helped the Solomon Islands Red Cross distribute 11 water tanks from Honiara to Malu'u in Malaita and Marasa on the Weather Coast during the past week.
Australia Supports Solo Icon 2009
The Australian High Commission today announced its support for 2009 SOLO ICON, at a handover ceremony held at the Ministry of Women, Youth and Children, where Deputy High Commissioner, Alison Duncan, handed over a cheque for SBD30, 000 to Global Youth Leadership Nexus.
HFA Giants Prepare for Club Championships
The Giants of Honiara football are consolidating their strength in preparation for the coming Our Telekom National Club Championship. KOSSA, Makuru and Uncles have all booked a place while Koloale returns as the defending champion. The national club championship will kick off on Monday 25 May 2009.
Palm Oil Exports Remain Strong: CBSI Governor
The Governor of the Central Bank of Solomon Islands, CBSI, Denton Rarawa, says the economic preliminary indicators for the first quarter of 2009 show mixed outcomes.
Temporary Special Measures Campaign Officially Launched
The Ministry of Women, Youth and Children's Affairs has officially launched a nationwide awareness campaign on the Temporary Special Measures (TSM) concept.
Work on Doma Township Set to Begin
Construction work is expected to start soon on the development of Doma township, West Honiara.
Sikua to Attend PALM 5 Summit in Japan
Prime Minister Dr Derek Sikua will attend a three days Japan-Pacific Islands Leaders Meeting, PALM 5, in Hokkaido, Japan, starting Thursday this week.
RAMSI Support for Inland Revenue Secure till 2013 thanks to New Zealand
The Inland Revenue Division, the Solomon Islands Government agency that collects taxes and other revenue within the country, is to be supported for another five years by the Regional Assistance Mission.
Disaster Preparedness Training for Simbo Island
Solomon Islands Development Trust (SIDT) will conduct a disaster preparedness training for Simbo Islanders from the 18th -22nd of May at Lengana Village Simbo Island, Western Province.
Stabbings in Honiara Result in Deaths
Two young men have died and two others seriously wounded in a series of stabbing incidents in Honiara over the weekend.
New Zealand Appoints New High Commissioner to Solomon Islands
New Zealand has named career diplomat, Mark Ramsden, as its next High Commissioner to Solomon Islands.
Australia Increases Aid Assistance to Solomon Islands
Australia's combined bilateral and regional development assistance to Solomon Islands will increase by AUD$9.8 million bringing the total of 2009-10 to AUD$246.2 million dollars.
Police Recover Clothing from Scene of Stabbing Incident
Detectives with Royal Solomon Islands Police Force's Central Honiara Criminal Investigation Department are urgently seeking public assistance to identify offenders involved in a brutal stabbing on Monday.
Australia Funds Development Projects in Malaita
Australia and Solomon Islands are working together to increase cocoa production and improve road rehabilitation and maintenance in Malaita. This partnership will provide jobs for Solomon Islanders, economic stimulus for Malaita and better access for rural communities to towns and markets.
Acting PM Witnesses SIPF-PPF Riot Demonstration
Acting Prime Minister, Fred Fono has officially witnessed a joint Riot Demonstration Exercise carried out by the Solomon Islands Police Force (SIPF) and the RAMSI Participating Police Force (PPF) at the Rove Police Grounds today.
Police Seize Dirty Cash from Money Launderer's Home
The Royal Solomon Islands Police Force's Fraud Squad officers have arrested a man accused of masterminding a local money-laundering scheme, after seizing $200,000 cash from his Mbokona home.
Fono Welcomes New Ministers
Acting Prime Minister Fred Fono (MP) has welcomed the appointment of two new government ministers to Cabinet following a ministerial reshuffle exercise on May 5.
Haomae Opens Enhanced Consultative Meeting on RAMSI
Solomon Islands Minister of Foreign Affairs and External Trade, William Haomae says ongoing consultations on the Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands (RAMSI) is crucial to ensure necessary adjustments are made to match the changing situation in Solomon Islands.
Lungga River Murder Suspect Arrested
Honiara Magistrate's court today remanded in custody a murder suspect for the death of a 25-year-old woman at Lungga River in March.
Taiwan Release RCDF Money
The Rural Constituency Development Fund, RCDF, has been released to government by Taiwan.
Economic Advisory Council Launched
Acting Prime Minister Fred Fono MP has launched the Solomon Islands Economic Advisory Council in Honiara yesterday.
EU Expands Areas of Assistance
The European Union is opening up areas where it had not gone through before in assisting developing countries.
Ex-SelCo Students Support Selwyn College
Ex-Selwyn college students studying and working in Fiji have rendered assistance to Selwyn college school with a new school projector.
Missing Boat Yet to be Found
Police in Lata have launched a search for seven adult men who have been missing since Saturday.
Gitoa Wants to Appear Before TRC
Murder suspect, Stanley Gitoa, who escaped from lawful detention in 2007, says he will remain in hiding from law enforcement authorities until he is guaranteed the opportunity to speak with the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, TRC.
Solomon Airlines Clarifies Disruptions on International Flights
Solomon Airlines last Friday were given notice by Our Airline that their B737 aircraft would not be available until Sunday due to some maintenance issues.
New Auditor General and PS Sworn in
A new Auditor General and a new Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Forestry were sworn in before the Governor General Sir Nathaniel Waena at Government House this morning.
We Should Not Politicize Solomon Airlines: Wale
A former board chairman to Solomon Airlines, now Minister for Education Mathew Wale says the national airline needs less politicization of its board appointments and a more commercial approach by the board and management.
SPC Helps Identify Markets for Forestry Products
The Secretariat of the Pacific Community, SPC, is assisting the Solomon Islands forestry industry conduct a study on the development of a market information system for the country's timbers.
Pacific Partnership 09 To Continue Without USS Dubuque
The Pacific Partnership mission will take place this summer, although not aboard USS Dubuque (LPD 8) because of concerns the H1N1 virus could be spread.
RSIPF Tests Operational Responses in Joint Capability Exercise
The Royal Solomon Islands Police Force will test its operational responses by rehearsing a Joint Capability Exercise at Rove Prison and the Rove assembly ground this morning until May 13.
Peter Shanel Wins By 798
Peter Shanel has won the Central Guadalcanal election, winning by a majority of 798.
Government Donates SBD$500,000 to Bushfire Victims in Australia
The Solomon Islands government has handed over half a million Solomon dollars to the Australian High Commission in Honiara this morning to support the fire victims of Australia.
Kadamana Scoops RAMSI Media Award
The Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands today presented the inaugural Special Coordinator's Media Encouragement Award to Solomon Star newspaper photographer, Charles Kadamana.
Solomon Airlines Airbus 320-200 Aircraft Flight Schedule
An airline spokesperson said that a new schedule, now under development and in the process of being circulated, would see the Airlines operating on Monday, Wednesday and Friday from Brisbane to Honiara with a direct return service to Brisbane at prime times.
Solomon Airlines Brings in Airbus 320-200 Aircraft
The Solomon Airlines confirmed yesterday, during a brief ceremony, that it has signed a strategic agreement to bring into its Brisbane operation, an Airbus 320-200 aircraft.
Swine Flu Case Forces Cancellation of US Navy Trip
A US Navy trip to the Solomon Islands has been cancelled after the discovery of a swine flu case aboard one of the San Diego-based Navy ship.
Sikua Reshuffles Cabinet Ministers
Prime Minister Dr Derek Sikua has announced the much anticipated reshuffling of Ministers in his year old government.
Dead Foetus Found in a Bottle
A dead foetus was found in a bottle at Town Ground area over the weekend.
Tetepare's Reefs in Top Shape
A recent survey of coral reefs around Tetepare Island, in the Western Province, has confirmed the islands reefs are in excellent health.
PM Sikua on Official Asia Tour
Prime Minister Dr Derek Sikua will leave the country today to attend high level meetings in three Asian countries including the Republic of China (Taiwan), Indonesia and Japan.
TSI Holds Public Lecture on Corruption
Transparency Solomon Islands, TSI, in its ongoing efforts to raise people's awareness on corruption, is hosting a Free Public Lecture today at 5pm at the Star Events Conference Room, Tongs Building.
Solomon Airlines Suspends Code-Share Agreement to and from Fiji with Air Niugini
Solomon Airlines, in a press statement, said that they would be terminating the current code-share agreement, on the Solomon Islands and Fiji route, currently operated by Solomon Airlines and Air Niugini.
PS Level Reshuffle Implemented by Government
Prime Minister Derek Sikua has embarked on a major reshuffle amongst certain Permanent Secretaries.
1000 Critically Endangered Turtles Hatched on Tetepare Beaches
The Tetepare Descendants' Association (TDA) is celebrating a record-breaking turtle hatching season on Tetepare Island in the Western Province.
New UN Resident Coordinator Presents Credentials to Prime Minister
Mr. Knut Ostby, the newly appointed United Nations Resident Coordinator and UNDP Resident Representative, presented his credentials to Prime Minister Dr. Derek Sikua this morning.
Archbishop Tutu Says Goodbye
Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu from South Africa has left Honiara after an eventful three days' visit to the capital.
Solomon Airlines Plans Internal Restructure
Solomon Airlines announced today that they have begun the long awaited company re-structure that will see some positional changes and streamlining of departments with effect from Friday 1st May.
Taiwanese Navy Ships Visit Solomon Islands
The Royal Solomon Islands Police Force will continue to conduct high visibility policing throughout the weekend as two Navy vessels from Taiwan make a friendly visit to the Solomon Islands.
Health Authorities on High Alert
National health clinics and centers are on a heightened state of alert as the reach of swine flu closes in on the Solomon Islands.
RAMSI and Guadalcanal Pledge to Work Together
Developing the RAMSI partnership between national and provincial governments, and the people of Solomon Islands is a key priority for RAMSI, according to Special Coordinator Graeme Wilson.
