Latest News Archive April 2009
100 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.
Swine Flu a Concern for the Pacific as Suspected Cases Emerge in Australia
Swine flu is increasingly becoming a concern for the region with confirmed cases in neighboring New Zealand and now suspected cases in Australia.
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.
ADB to Boost Economic Management in Pacific to Help Region Cope with Crisis
MANILA, PHILIPPINES - The Asian Development Bank (ADB) will assist the Pacific region to improve economic management and in doing so will help the region weather the impacts of the global economic crisis.
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.
WHO Cautions Pacific Islands on Swine Flu
The flu epidemic that is severely affecting Mexico and spreading to other parts of the world is highly likely to also reach the region, the World Health Organization (WHO) has cautioned.
Samoa Government to Sue TVNZ
In the ongoing issue regarding a news story of a drugs and guns culture in Samoa by Television New Zealand (TVNZ), the government of Samoa has announced that it will sue TVNZ.
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.
Energy Exposes Vulnerability of Pacific Island Countries
Press Statement - The question of energy, like no other, gives full exposure to the vulnerability of Pacific Island Countries.
Auckland City FC Humbles Koloale, 7-2
Auckland City is only a game away from entering the much-coveted FIFA World Club Cup. Their huge 7-2 win over Solomon Islands champions Koloale FC in Honiara demonstrates the superiority and class of Auckland FC.
Ambassador Ma'ahanua Co-Chairs Important ACP-EC Meeting in Brussels
Solomon Islands Ambassador to the European Union, His Excellency Mr. Joseph Maáhanua, successfully co-chaired with his Czech Republic counterpart, the 59th Session of ACP-EU Committee of Ambassadors in Brussels, Belgium, on Friday.
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.
Assessing Potential Oil Spills from WWII Wrecks in the FSM
Press Release - Oil, chemicals and unexploded ordinance from an estimated 800 World War II Wrecks throughout the exclusive economic zones of Pacific Island countries and territories pose imminent danger to people, environment and fisheries of the region.
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.
Our Relationship is Now Stronger than Ever: H.E Peter Hooton
The outgoing Australian High Commissioner to the Solomon Islands, H.E Peter Hooton, says that Australia's relationship with the Solomon Islands is now stronger than ever.
Solomon Islands will Host the Taiwan-Pacific Allies Summit
Solomon Islands will host the Taiwan-Pacific Allies Summit on 20 October.
NZ Reporter Defends Samoa Criminal Report in Affidavit
TVNZ reporter, Barbara Dreaver, whose report on Samoa's alleged drugs and guns culture has caused controversy in and out of the island nation, has denied allegations that her story was staged and that the individuals in the report were actors and misled about the story.
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."
Koloale Fans Flock into Honiara
Hundreds of soccer fans from Makira Province and other provinces are flocking into Honiara to watch the showdown between Koloale and Auckland City on Saturday.
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.
1927 Massacre: Kwaio Chiefs Seek to Settle Longstanding Issue
Eleven East Kwaio Chiefs from Malaita Province have arrived in Honiara for talks with the government on issues relating to the massacre in 1927.
Amnesty International Warns of Deteriorating Human Rights Situation in Fiji
20 April 2009 - An Amnesty International expert who has just completed a fact-finding mission to Fiji warns that the human rights situation in the country is getting worse by the day and the civilian population is living in fear as a result of draconian measures implemented by the military regime.
ADB President Welcomes ADB, World Bank Joint Field Presence in Tonga
NUKU'ALOFA, TONGA - Asian Development Bank (ADB) President Haruhiko Kuroda and Mr. Sun Vithespongse, Executive Director of the World Bank for Tonga, today officially opened a World Bank-ADB joint field presence in Nuku'alofa, Tonga.
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.
Pacific Adaptation to Climate Change Programme Underway
Press Release - After several years of planning and preparation, a US $13.125 million climate change adaptation project is now underway in the Pacific region.
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.
Prime Minister Sikua on Fiji Situation
Prime Minister, Dr Derek Sikua says the government and people of Solomon Islands share the deep concern and regret of the Pacific region over the events in Fiji.
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.
Media Workshop Provides New Script for Reporting on Climate Change
BEIJING, PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF CHINA - The Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union (ABU) have concluded a week-long workshop in Beijing to raise awareness through the media about the impacts of climate change on the region.
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.
Marist Solbrew Sevens Back on this Saturday
The Marist Solbrew Sevens tournament postponed due to bad weather is set to continue this Saturday with the first game set to kick off at 9 o'clock.
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.
USP Students Concerned with Political Crises in Fiji
Solomon Islands students studying in USPs' Laucala Campus in Suva, Fiji, have expressed concern that the current political crises might affect their studies.
Special Secretary to PM Defends Integrity Bill
Special Secretary to the Prime Minister, local lawyer John Keniapasia has responded to comments by Doctor Jon Fraenkel of the Australian National University's State, Society and Governance Program that the Solomon Islands government's proposed political party integrity bill may not achieve its stated goals.
Update: Fiji Military Tightens Grip on Media
The military in Fiji has tightened its grip on the country's media which started with newsrooms around the country being monitored and articles deemed critical of the president and military being pulled and this has escalated to the deportation of foreign journalists in the country.
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.
Discussion Over Criminal Report on Samoa
A report by Television New Zealand of allegations of a criminal culture in Samoa has generated shocked responses from within and outside of Samoa. However, TVNZ is standing by its report.
Leave Media Alone: PINA
The Pacific islands News Association, PINA has called on the newly established interim government of Fiji to leave the media alone to continue to perform its role of information dissemination to the people of Fiji and the region.
O-league Showdown to Light up Honiara
Honiara is set to come alive again, exactly 10 days from now when New Zealand champions Auckland City FC and Koloale clash at Lawson Tama.
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.
Update: Fiji President Reappoints Coup Leader as PM
Fiji's president, Ratu Josefa Iloilo, has reappointed coup leader and military commander, Voreqe Bainimarama, as the country's Prime Minister after abrogating the country's constitution and imposing emergency rule last week.
Update: Fiji Under Emergency Rule
Fiji's President and self-appointed Head of State has put in place the Public Emergency Regulations 2009, effectively putting the country under emergency rule.
Update: Fiji's President Abrogates Constitution
Fiji's President, Ratu Josefa Iloilo, has abrogated the country's constitution and made himself Head of State following the ruling by the country's Court of Appeal that the current interim government is illegal.
Integrity Bill May Not Achieve Desired Result: Dr Fraenkel
Prime Minister, Dr Derek Sikua, is adamant that his proposed Political Party Integrity Bill will go a long way in addressing the instability in the executive arm of government, an unfortunate feature of Solomon Islands politics for some time.
Introduction to Auckland City FC
Thousands of soccer fans in Solomon Islands are waiting nervously for the finals of the O-League. Koloale FC has found itself in a situation where they represent not only the hopes of its fan base but also that of a nation craving for a prestigious title.
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.
Fiji Now Without a Government
Fiji is now without a government and awaiting the President's next course of action following yesterday's ruling by the Fiji Court of Appeal that the dismissal of Fiji's deposed Prime Minister, Laisenia Qarase, was unlawful.
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.
Auki Teams Confirmed for Upcoming Sevens Clash
Two teams from Auki, Malaita will be arriving in Honiara today to play in the Marist Solbrew Sevens Tournament this weekend.
Claims of Drugs, Guns and Criminal Culture in Samoa
Claims of a growing drugs and gun culture in Samoa, along with claims that the country is a dumping ground for criminals has led the police in the country to start an urgent investigation.
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.
$5000 Up for Grabs in the Marist Solbrew Sevens
The winning team of the Marist Solbrew Sevens Tournament will be walking away with a cash prize of $5000.
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."
New Book to Boost Human Rights in the Region
The launch of a new book on human rights law is expected to help the region in addressing issues regarding various human rights cases in the region.
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.
7 Countries in the Region Form Pacific Cruise Group
Seven countries around the region have joined together to form the Pacific Cruise group.
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.
Marist SolBrew Sevens Set for Easter
Local brewery Solbrew has thrown its support behind the upcoming 7s Competition to be hosted by Marist Rugby Club over the Easter weekend.
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.
Koloale FC to Take on Auckland City in O-League Final
Koloale FC will be taking on Auckland City FC in the O-League finals.
Gold Ridge Strike Referred to the Trade Dispute Panel
The Gold Ridge Mining Limited workers' strike has been referred to the Trade Dispute Pane.
