Latest News Archive June 2007
100 articlesNPF Announces Record 18 Per Cent Payout
General Manager of the Solomon Islands National Provident Fund, Tony Makabo, revealed that an amount of SBD$ 81-point-five million will be immediately credited to members' accounts.
National Trade Show Opens Today
The official opening of the National Trade Show in Auki will be officially opened today with a float parade beginning at the Aligegeo Sports Field.
Porter Reveals Plans to Export Dolphins
The owner of the Solomon Islands Marine Mammal Education Centre on Gella, Christopher Potter, revealed that he intends to export live dolphins to fund his rural development projects.
Strong Whirlwinds Strike Gizo Town
Reports from the Radio Happy Lagoon have stated that a strong whirlwind hit Gizo just after 12-midday today, causing minimal damage to some relief supply materials.
Public Policy Workshop Successful
Training the policy-makers of tomorrow has been the focus of a three-day workshop presented by RAMSI in association with the Ministry of Finance and Trade and the Central Bank.
AS Announces Final Squad to Melanesian Championship
Athletic Solomons is sending a 14 member strong squad to the Melanesian championship which will be held in Cairns Australia from the 15th to 19th of August 2007.
Opposition Warns the Police Commissioner Over Re-arming
The Police Commissioner's announcement that he will re-arm the police force is strongly opposed by the parliamentary Opposition.
Crocodile Attack in Choiseul Province
A six year old girl is still missing in what is presumed to be a crocodile attack last week.
Solomon Islanders Want RAMSI to Remain, says Maina
Government's Special Envoy to RAMSI, Michael Maina, stated that there is an overwhelming support from all sectors of the society for RAMSI to remain in the country.
Urban Drift a 'Ticking Time Bomb", says Lord Mayor
The Lord Mayor, Alfred Maetia, stated during the opening of the city councils meeting that urban drift and unemployment are potential time bombs for Honiara City.
Auki Ready to Host 2007 Trade and Cultural Show
Chairman of the main organizing committee, Michael Maena, has confirmed on SIBC that Auki is ready to host the 2007 National Trade and Cultural Show.
National Basketball Team NSW Tour Result
The men's and women's national basketball teams' tour to NSW, Australia ended with positive results.
HRUA Weekly Game Result
Airlines ends Matangiki's winning streak defeating the latter 9-5 at the Panatina Oval yesterday in the weekly Honiara Rugby Union Association League match.
Land Enquiry Commission Soon to be Appointed
Chairman of the steering committee to look into the Land and lost property in Guadalcanal and dealings around Honiara, Sam Alasia, yesterday officially announced its Terms of Reference.
ADB Approves US$4.95 million for Post Tsunami Work
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a US$4.95 million grant aimed at restoring essential infrastructures in tsunami affected areas of Western Solomon Islands.
RAMSI Assists Volleyball Players
Three RAMSI officers have been assisting the national volleyball teams in their preparations for the SPG in Apia, Samoa.
Telekom Seeks Out the Fittest and Fastest Organization
Our Telekom and Triathlon Solomon Islands (TriSI) are inviting interested persons or organizations to join one of the fastest growing sports in the country.
SBD$10 Million from Taiwan for RCDF
The Embassy of the Republic of China in Honiara has released the third payment of the "2007 Constituency and Rural Development Fund".
Facilitation Act Will Not be Amended, says Maina
The Government special envoy to RAMSI, Michael Maina, stated in an interview with SIBC that the government would not amend the Facilitation Assistance Act.
Solomons Import Duties Too Low, says Local Economist
A local economist, speaking on the condition of anonymity, has warned the government that the recent reduction in import duties would have serious economic effects to the country.
MP Varian Lonamai joins Government
The Government has increased its numerical strength by one with the decision by Hon. Varian Lonamai to join the Grand Coalition.
No to Rearmament, says Guadalcanal MPA
A Member of the Guadalcanal Provincial Assembly, Stephen Panga, has spoken out against plans by the Police Commissioner Jahir Khan to rearm certain units of the Solomon Islands Police Force.
Police Investigates Stabbing Incident
Detectives are investigating the stabbing of a Catholic Priest at Kukum last night. The Priest is in a serious but stable condition at the National Referral Hospital.
Raid on Solicitor General's Office may Relate to Moti
A complaint lodged by an unknown source to the Police stated that certain people within the Judiciary are working against the lifting of the suspension order of Moti as Attorney General.
Khan Puts Aside USD$2.6 Million to Purchase Arms
Within less than a month in office, Police Commissioner Jahir Khan has made his position clear on the issue of rearmament.
OFC Confirms Beach Soccer Venue
Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) stated in a media release this week that the second OFC Beach Soccer Championship will take place at Auckland's Vector Arena on July 7th and 8th, 2007.
Rugby: Avaiki Defeats Luapel 17 - 5
Avaiki convincingly defeated rivals Luapel in one of the best games in the HRUA League at the Panatina Oval on Saturday. The crowd that turned up spoke volumes of what was at stake.
SIVBF President Attends International Symposium
The World International Volleyball at School Symposium starts in Canada on the 23rd of June and SIVBF President Morris Maitaki is amongst the contingents attending the meeting.
Japanese Volunteers Assist in Tsunami Relief
For the past two days, Japanese volunteers in the country have engaged in the sale of brand new clothing and other items at the Art Gallery in Point Cruz.
SBD$10 Million Allocated for Small Business Scheme
Governor of Central Bank Rick Hou has praised the government for its contribution towards the Small Loans Guarantee scheme with the provision of SBD$10 Million.
Solomon's Benefiting from RAMSI's Work: Exell
The outgoing Development Coordinator for the Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands, RAMSI, Blair Exell, has said the country is benefiting from the work of the mission.
RAMSI Review will Pave the Way Forward, says Oti
The Solomon Islands Government (SIG) is optimistic that the second report of the Pacific Islands Forum review of RAMSI would pave the way for the partnership to move forward.
RAMSI IN OR OUT
The future role of RAMSI and whether it stays in the Solomon Islands, will be known soon, when the Government announces details of planned amendments towards end of this month.
Solomon Islander Gets a Shot at ITF Ranking
Duncan Maetoloa, a promising young tennis player, has qualified for an International Tennis Federation (ITF) Ranking tournament in New Caledonia.
US Secretary of State Recognizes Solomon Islander
Ms. Apollonia Bola Talo, a prominent member of the National Council of Women, was yesterday announced a recipient of the US Secretary of States International Women of Courage Award.
CBSI Unveils Small Business Finance Scheme
The Minister of Finance Gordon Lilo today launched a scheme aimed at financing small businesses and self-employed persons.
Taiwanese Trade Fair Opens
A trade fair displaying various Taiwanese products was opened yesterday at the Mendana Kitano Hotel by His Excellency, George Chan and Honorable Prime Minister, Manasseh Sogavare.
Chris Porter Speaks Out on Dolphin Issue
The Director of the Solomon Islands Marine Mammal Education Center (SIMMEC) and Marine Exports Limited (MEL), Christopher Porter, released a press statement yesterday on the dolphin issue.
Auluta Basin Delegation Complete Talks with Government
Tribal leaders of the Auluta Basin Palm Oil Project have concluded a successful consultative mission with National Government Officials this week.
Choiseul Palm Oil Project Begins Ground Work
Development of palm oil in Choiseul Province entered a new phase with the formal appointment of Choiseul Oil Palm Project Manager.
Premier for Western Province Disappointed
Premier for Western Province, Alex Lokopio, was disappointed over the non-attendance of Permanent Secretaries and other government representatives at the recent natural disaster workshop.
Tinoni Ratu Wins Golden Boot
Tinoni Ratu collected another golden boot award this year in the 2006 DJ League season which ended last month. The presentation was held at the Lawson Tama stadium on Saturday night.
HRUA League Match Recap
Marist' late comeback ends with a 14 all draw against Sosa in the main Honiara rugby union association league match on Saturday at the Panatina Oval.
RAMSI Review Must be Free and Fair: Sir Nathaniel
The Governor General, Sir Nathaniel Waena, has called for a free and fair review of the operations of the Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Island, RAMSI.
Solomon Islands Must Improve Global Trade: Oti
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Patterson Oti, says Solomon Islands must develop proactive approaches towards global trade if the country wants to see improved national development.
Coach Andrioli Wants Soccer Gold
Airton Andrioli has stated that the national soccer team will be the strongest team ever to represent Solomon Island at the national level for the SPG this time around in Apia, Samoa.
Police Investigates Bribery Scandal
The Police Media Unit has confirmed on the SIBC that Police have received a report of the alleged bribery and investigations are underway. No charges have been laid as yet.
Bilikiki Soccer Soon to Kick Up Sand in NZ
The defending champions, Bilikiki, of the beach soccer team will once again grace the sand pitches in New Zealand for the Oceania Beach Soccer Championship on the 5th to the 9th of July.
ECANSI Oppose Export of Dolphins
Locally based Environmental group, the Environmental Concerns Action Network of Solomon Islands (ECANSI) opposes the lifting of the ban on the export of dolphins from Solomon Islands.
Western Province Prepares for Federalism
The Premier of Western Province, Alex Lokopio, stated that his government is in the process of setting up a State Management and Transitional Unit.
Forum Should Help in Direction of RAMSI: Dr Roughan
Dr John Roughan stated that since RAMSI is a regional initiative, the forum should continue to take a leading role in discussing the direction and activities of RAMSI.
Native Stone Age Live on Stage
One of the famous local bands, The Native Stone Age, will stage a two days live music show. The first show began yesterday with the final show later this afternoon.
Makuru Seek Court's Ruling on its Eligibility
The dispute between Makuru and SIFF had taken another twist lately. Makuru had applied to the High court to make a ruling on its eligibility to participate in the recent Club Championship.
Queen's Birthday Honors
The Governor General Sir Nathaniel Waena has officially announced the names of the recipients of this years Queen's Birthday Awards.
PM Asks for More Evidence on Dolphin Issue
Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare has made it clear that his government will need more than just international condemnation for it to ban the live exportation of dolphins.
Sogavare Acknowledges RAMSI's Work
While welcoming the forum review team to the Solomon Islands, Sogavare took time to acknowledge RAMSI's significant contribution towards law and order restoration in Solomon Islands.
Stick to SIG's Six Point Initiative: Sogavare
Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare reminded the Forum review team that in its review of RAMSI, they must abide by the six-point initiative of the Solomon Islands government.
Governor General Highlights Climate Change
Thousands flocked to witness celebrations marking the Queen's 81st Birthday. Governor General Sir Nathaniel Waena used the occasion to highlight issues to do with climate change.
Our Telekom registers SBD$33 Million Profit
Our Telekom has announced that an after tax profit of SBD$33-million dollars was made last year.
Forum Review Team Move to Phase Two
The Pacific Islands Forum Task force set up to review the Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands, RAMSI, has begun its second phase of the review starting yesterday.
Solomon Islanders Celebrate Queen's 81st Birthday
The 81st birthday of Queen Elizabeth the Second has been marked with a national holiday today, along with the usual Queen's birthday parade at Lawson Tama stadium.
Investigations Underway for Alleged Bribery
The Prime Minister has stated in a recent press conference that he has been assured by the Police Commissioner Jahir Khan that they will look into the bribery scandal.
BRIBERY "MYSTERY MINISTER" IDENTIFIED
Neither Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare nor the Opposition Leader, Fred Fono, is prepared to name the Minister alleged to be involved in the bribery claim.
Acting AG Extends Contract
The Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare revealed in a press conference yesterday that the acting Attorney Genera'ls contract has been extended for a further six months.
Commissioner Khan Welcomed with Parade
The Solomon Islands Police Force welcomed the country's new police Commissioner Jahir Khan with a parade at Rove field yesterday.
Sogavare Launches Constitutional Congress
The Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare yesterday launched a Constitutional Congress to assist in the finalization of the Draft Federal Constitution.
Civil Society Group to Meet PM
Civil Society Groups in Solomon Islands have unanimously agreed over the weekend to accept the Prime Minister's invitation to discuss issues they are concerned about.
Second Consultation Meeting for SIG, RAMSI and Forum
Senior officials from the Solomon Islands Government, the Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands and the Pacific Islands Forum will meet this Thursday the 14th June in Honiara.
Statistics Vital for Tourism Industry: Tokuru
The Manger of the Solomon Islands Visitors Bureau stated that the non-availability of up-to-date statistics and data relating to tourism is hindering planning and promotion for this sector.
It Was Not a Bribe, says Fono
The Opposition Leader Fred Fono has confirmed that the Opposition did assist a certain government minister when he requested financial assistance to have his son educated in New Zealand.
Hausboi to Feature in ZFM Classics Celebrations
The very popular PNG band will be in town to help celebrate ZFM Classics 10th birthday. The celebration will be a week long event beginning on the 24th of June to the 2nd of July.
Solomon Airlines Offloads Increase Normal: Sigamanu
Solomon Airlines General Manager Development Planning, Mr. Colin Sigamanu, has brushed aside claims that the increase rate of offloads in Brisbane is caused by the size of the plane.
Foreign Investments Surge by Seven Fold
The new investment Act appears to be the catalyst in the recent surge of planned foreign investment in the Solomon Islands.
Weekend Basketball, Mt. Dazzer Conceded Defeat
Mt. Dazzer conceded a stunning defeat to Arasina 55-28 at the multipurpose hall in the second league match yesterday. Many came to watch a quality game dominated by national players.
HRUA Weekend Rugby
Luapel escaped a determined Hammer Heads outfit to win 14-0 at the Panatina Oval on Saturday.
Urban Drift Becoming a Serious Concern
The increase in squatter settlements and related crime and drug activities in the Capital is becoming a major problem.
Hotels Experience 100 Percent Occupancy Rates
The occupancy rate for the three major hotels in Honiara has been around the 100 percent mark for the last three months.
Parliamentary Secretaries are Established Legally: PM
The Prime Minister, Manasseh Sogavare, is defiant that the appointment of Parliamentary Secretaries is constitutional.
Electoral Commission Plans for Bye-Election
The office of the electoral commission is preparing for the bye-election of the two Malaita Constituencies after the passing away of their MPs.
Youth Parliament Proposed for Solomon Islands
The Research officer in the Prime Minister's office, Christopher Waiwori, in collaboration with the Ministry of Youth, Women and Children are organising a Youth Parliament.
Khan Vows to Tackle Corruption within Police
Police Commissioner Khan stated in an interview with Fijilive that he is ready to take up the challenge in leading the Solomon Islands Police Force.
Auki Ready to Host Celebrations, says Malaita Premier
The Premier of Malaita Province, Richard Na'amo, encourages Solomon Islanders to participate in this year's 29th Independence Anniversary celebrations in Auki, Malaita province.
PSC to Face Tribunal over Moti Saga
The Chairman and members of the Public Service Commission are taken to task for their stance in the appointment and suspension of Moti for the Attorney General's position.
Dolphin Capture Sparks International Outrage
The capture of 20 wild dolphins in the Solomon Islands has sparked fears among environmental groups, both locally and abroad, that the government will overturn a ban on dolphin exports.
Huniehu Challenges Government Appointments in Court
Chairman of the Parliamentary Bills and Legislation Committee is challenging the Sogavare-government on the appointments of the 10 parliamentary secretaries and the new Police Commissioner.
Free Public Seminar on Corruption
A free public seminar, jointly organised by Transparency Solomon Islands T-S-I and the Winds of Change W-O-C, will thoroughly examine the issue of corruption in Solomon Islands and Kenya.
Land Tenure System May Undermine BUP: Sir Allan
Former Prime Minister of Solomon Islands Sir Allan Kemakeza believes that the Government's concept of bottom up approach in development will fail because of the country's land tenure system.
SBD$50,000 Bribe Offered to Government Minister
A senior government Minister revealed that a SBD$50,000 (US$7143.00) cash bribe was allegedly offered to him by the Opposition camp.
Coach Burns Cancels Game Two against Honiara Selects
Solomon Islands men's senior basketball coach, Ryan Burns, says he will not risk any injury by having another trial against the Honiara select.
Premier of Central Province Resigns
Reports from the SIBC has stated that the Premier of Central Islands province, Charles Kunu, has resigned after being in office for just over three months.
Dolphin Trade May Hurt Economy, says Makili
It has been reported that at least twenty dolphins have been sold to a local company for at least SBD $2,000 each.
Taiwan Assists Cattle Industry with SBD$2.3 Million
Taiwanese Ambassador, His Excellency, George Chan presented the money to the Prime Minister in a meeting at the Prime Minister's Office yesterday morning.
By-elections To Be Held Soon
The Solomon Islands electoral commission is currently working on a timetable to hold by-elections for the two constituencies of the late Sanga and late Ulufa'alu.
Sogavare Willing to Meet Civil Society Group
While welcoming the planned protest by the Civil Society group, Sogavare has stated that he is also willing to have a private audience with the group.
Betel Nut Contains Banned Substance, Athletes Warned
Australia Sports Anti-Doping Authority reports that Arecoline, the active ingredient in betel nut, is prohibited under the World Anti-Doping Code 2007 Prohibited List.
Recapping Weekend Rugby
Luapel humbles Sosa at the Panatina oval to earn another bonus win at the HRUA league 2007. Hammer Heads looses another game to Solomon Airlines.
Netball League Kicks Off
The Honiara Netball Association's official opening was held at the multipurpose hall on Saturday. The opening ceremony was highlighted by the uniform parade and the president's speech.
HFA DJ League 2006 Presentation Night
The closing of the 2006 DJ League will now be held on the 16th of June 2007.
CC Starts Lending to Vehicle Buyers by 18 June
Credit Corporation (CC) will again reopen one of its famous products called 'vehicle mortgaging' starting on the 18th of June 2007.
PAP Formally Withdraws from Opposition
A report from the Solomon Islands Broadcasting Co-operation (SIBC) stated that the People's Alliance Party, PAP, has withdrawn its support from the Parliamentary Opposition.
