Latest News Archive October 2010
76 articlesSolomon Islands and PNG Border Talks End
Senior Officials from the Governments of Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea have successfully ended the "4th Joint Border Meeting" in Gizo, Western Province yesterday.
Solar Lights up Homes in East Malaita
About 700 households in East Malaita Constituency will soon use solar energy to light up their homes and get away from the burden of finding money to buy kerosene fuel.
Opposition Commends Whistle Blower
Deputy Opposition Leader, Mathew Wale has commended Ruth Townsend for exposing the alleged corruption in the Commission of Inquiry into Land Dealings on Guadalcanal.
SPC Launches 'e-Pacific Island Countries' - An Online Portal for Pacific ICT Information
Wednesday, 27 October 2010 - Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC), 27 October 2010 - Inaccessibility to readily available online information and communication technology (ICT) resources is not an issue for the Pacific Islands region anymore.
Pacific Fisheries Face Collapse Without Strategic Action
Secretariat of the Pacific Community, Noumea, Tuesday 26 October 2010 - A major study of the future of Pacific Island fisheries indicates that, without concerted strategic action now, fisheries across the region face collapse within the next 25 years.
RCDF Boost Fisheries in Gao Bugotu
Fishermen in the eastern region of Gao Bugotu constituency in Isabel Province have boosted their fish supplies to the Honiara market following increased assistance from the Rural Constituency Development Fund (RCDF).
Bank Officer Pleads Guilty
A former Bank Officer serving a prison term for false pretence has pleaded guilty to one count of money laundering relating to the same case.
Solomon Islands Ranked 110 on CPI 2010
Transparency International has released the results of the Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) 2010.
Border Talks Need Implementation Mechanisms: Batana'asia
The Solomon Islands High Commissioner to Papua New Guinea describes the 4th Papua New Guinea - Solomon Islands Joint Border Committee as "useful and necessary for the two countries."
Association to Spearhead Organic Farming in Fiji
The Fiji Organic Association (FOA), established in 2006, is a non-profit organisation that provides guidance on organic farming practices in Fiji.
Millions Lost Through Exemptions
Solomon Islands has lost close to SBD$10.5 million dollars in revenue through exemptions and remissions in September this year.
World Bank Board Approves Additional US$3M Financing
The World Bank Group approved an additional funding of US$3 million for the Solomon Islands Rural Development Program (RDP).
Solomon Gold Raises More Money for Exploration
Solomon Gold (SOLG) has raised £15.1 million through a share placing to fund its Solomon Islands exploration programme, but fears of dilution sent its shares lower.
Transparency International to launch Corruption Perception Index 2010
Transparency International (TI) will launch the 2010 Corruption Perception Index (CPI) 10am today in Berlin. Transparency Solomon Islands (TSI) will be launching the data tomorrow, Wednesday 27 October.
Protocol Seeks to Protect Indigenous Knowledge
Press Release - 24 October 2010 Nagoya, Japan - Indigenous knowledge should be protected and communities which possess it must be adequately compensated if such knowledge is used for commercial purposes.
2011 O-League Update
New Zealand champions Waitakere United have beaten Tahiti's AS Tefana 3-1 in Group B to complete an intriguing opening round of 2011 O-League action.
Gao Bugoto Concludes Historic Constituency Congress
More than 300 Chiefs and Community leaders of Gao Bugotu Constituency in Isabel Province have successfully concluded a historic three days Constituency Congress Wednesday last week at Lepi Village.
Palau Declares Marine Mammal Sanctuary
Press Release - 23 October Nagoya Japan - Palau joins other nations in declaring its water as sanctuary for marine mammals, covering whales, dolphins and dugongs.
MP Lashes Out at Fijian Leader
Member of Parliament for Aoke Langalanga Mathew Wale has lashed out at Fiji's Prime Minister, Commodore Frank Bainimarama, describing him as someone "who wants countries of the MSG to bow down to his demands."
We Need Proper Housing: Teachers
The Solomon Islands National Teachers Association, SINTA, has called for more budgetary support for teachers' housing.
Pacific Partnership Combat Invasive Species
Press Release - The Pacific region is home to more endemic species than anywhere in the world, all of which is potentially under threat from invasive species. The region is working together with partners to protect Pacific biodiversity from this risk.
PACER Plus Needs to Consider Small Economies: Lilo
Minister of Finance and supervising minister of Foreign Affairs and External Trade, Gordon Darcy Lilo, calls on PACER Plus officials to "consider the differences in levels of development between negotiating partners."
O-League 2011 Kicks Off
The 2011 O-League kicks off this weekend with some intriguing match-ups for fans to enjoy across the Pacific.
Solomon Islands Improves in Debt Servicing
Solomon Islands have made significant progress in its international debt repayments over the last few years and are continuing this year.
We Will Pursue Federalism: PM
Prime Minister Danny Philip says his government is determined to see the country adopt a Federal Constitution.
Solomon Islands and PNG Engage in Bilateral Talks
Solomon Islands will host the 4th Solomon Islands / Papua New Guinea Joint Border Committee and the 9th Solomon Islands / Papua New Guinea Senior Officials Bilateral Consultation in Gizo next week.
World Bank Group Announces Significant Increase In Assistance To Tonga
WASHINGTON, 19 October, 2010-The World Bank today announced a new strategy of support for Tonga to reduce the impact of economic shocks on the country and assist with longer term growth and development opportunities.
World Bank Report Shows Growth in Solomon Islands
The World Bank's recent review of economies in East Asia and the Pacific Region indicates that Solomon Islands have recorded a strong growth of nearly 7 % on average per annum between 2003 through to 2008.
Guadalcanal Premier Highlights Land Issues
The Premier of Guadalcanal Province, Steven Panga, has told the 4th annual premier's meeting that the control and management of land is a social concern and a challenge to his province.
Government Introduces New Social Profiling Bill
The Danny Philip-led government is working towards the introduction of a new Social Profiling Bill in Solomon Islands.
NSA Dialogue on PACER Plus
The first of an annual Non-State Actors Dialogue on PACER Plus has concluded in Honiara, Solomon Islands today with agreement on the need to more fully engage NSA's in consultations on the proposed trade agreement both at the national and Regional levels.
Provincial Government Minister Cautions Premiers
The Minister for Provincial Government and Institutional Strengthening Bradley Tovosia cautions Provincial Premiers that the communiqué produced by the end of the week must contain issues that are achievable.
Determined Value of Log Must Reflect Market Value: TSI
The increase in the Determined Value of Log Exports from an average of US$83.00 to an average of US$90.00 is not good enough, says Transparency Solomon Islands (TSI) Executive Officer, Mr. Fox Qwaina.
Food Security in the Pacific
Food Secure Pacific Working Group to begin implementing the Food Security Regional Framework
PM Philip Reaffirms Commitment to RAMSI
Prime Minister Danny Philip has reaffirmed the country's commitment to the Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands, RAMSI.
Joint Review of PALM 5
PRESS RELEASE - 17th October 2010 - The joint review of progress of implementation of the PALM 5 commitments between the Pacific Islands Forum and Japan was held in Tokyo, Japan on 16th October 2010.
Premiers Head to Isabel for Conference
Eight of the country's Provincial Premiers have arrived in the Isabel Provincial capital, Buala for the annual Premier's conference which officially opens today.
CROP Agencies Cooperate on Climate Change
PRESS RELEASE - 13th October 2010 - The Chief Executives of the Council of Regional Organisations in the Pacific (CROP) have agreed to renew efforts to work closer together to address regional climate change issues.
Solomon Islands Looks to Cassava
Solomon Islands are exploring the possibility of engaging in large scale export of cassava to the Canadian market.
BSP Goes Green
Bank South Pacific, BSP, will be going green today morning right across the South Pacific Region.
Pink Ribbon Begins With a Charity Rugby Match
The First Lady's Charity is once again starting its annual awareness, promotion and fundraising events in aid of Pink Ribbon Day.
Isabel Ready to Host Premiers Conference
Isabel Province says it is ready to host the Premier's Conference in Buala next week.
Children must be Primary Beneficiary of Efforts to Deliver Education
PRESS RELEASE - Port Moresby, 12th October 2010 - The children of the Pacific region must be the ultimate and primary beneficiary of whatever regional and national efforts to deliver quality education and training services.
PMO Disappointed with TSI
The Prime Minister's Office (PMO) is disappointed with Transparency Solomon Islands (TSI) for not qualifying the publication of the Parliamentary Entitlement Regulations (PER).
Taiwan Expands Lighting Project to Solomons
President Ma Ying-jeou said Tuesday that Taiwan's "Lamp for Africa " solar lighting project will be expanded to benefit rural residents of the Solomon Islands in the South Pacific.
PNG Announces Regional Scholarships
PRESS RELEASE - Port Moresby, 12th October 2010 - The Government of Papua New Guinea has announced 20 full scholarships for each year, for the next five years, for youths and students in the Pacific region to study at institutions in the country.
Government Increases Determined Log Prices
The Minister for Finance and Treasury, Hon Gordon Darcy Lilo, has today announced that the government has agreed to increase the determined value of log exports.
Ambassador Beck Will Not be Recalled: Shanel
The government says it has no intentions of recalling the country's Ambassador in New York Collin Beck.
Maelanga Calls for Sensitivity on Guadalcanal Land Issues
Deputy Prime Minister Manasseh Maelanga today calls on people for sensitivity and fairness when commenting on land issues on Guadalcanal.
Snake Baby Rumours Not True
The National Referral Hospital has denied any knowledge of any baby born at the hospital with parts of it resembling a snake.
Westpac (SI) Celebrates a Quarter of Century Serving the Community
Westpac this week celebrates a quarter of a century of serving the Solomon Islands Community with a cocktail function for customers, employees, government officials and visiting new regional General Manager of Westpac Pacific, Greg Pawson.
PM Attends Taiwan's 99th Anniversary
Prime Minister Danny Philip was among more than 200 foreign dignitaries who on Sunday attended the Republic of China 99th anniversary celebrations in Taipei.
The Pacific Voyage
Press Release - "The Pacific Voyage" will be the central theme of Pacific islands attending the World's biggest biodiversity conference this year.
Education Development Framework Captures Challenges
PRESS RELEASE - 10th October 2010 - Port Moresby, 10th October 2010 - The Pacific Education Development Framework (PEDF) captures the major challenges in education in the region and provides strategies to consider in order to address these challenges.
Government Seeks to Boost Fisheries Sector
The Government Policy Statement has acknowledged the fact that the country is receiving very little in return for the extraction of its fish stock.
TSI Commends PM for Seeking to Reform RCDF
Transparency Solomon Islands, TSI, commends the Prime Minister of Solomon Islands, Danny Phillip for promising to reform the Rural Constituency Development Fund, RCDF.
RAMSI Head Welcomes PM's comments
The head of the Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands says he appreciates comments made by the Prime Minister Danny Phillip during the launch of his government's policy statement.
Fisheries Minister Thanks Donors
Fisheries and Marine Resources Minister Jimmy Lusibaea has thanked donor partners who helped in building the fisheries sector for Solomon Islanders to enjoy the sustainable use of their resources.
Australian Parliamentary Secretary Marles Visits Solomon Islands
Australian Parliamentary Secretary for Pacific Island Affairs, the Hon Richard Marles MP, concluded his first visit to Solomon Islands today.
Former MP Withdraws Case
Former East-Central Guadalcanal M-P Nollen Leni has decided against continuing his appeal case against Levers Solomons Limited, L-S-L.
SIPEU Media Accusation Uncalled For: Police
The Royal Solomon Islands Police Force says that the Solomon Islands Public Employees Union (SIPEU) may have misunderstood a police statement released earlier in relation to the Voluntary Early Retirement Scheme (VERS).
Government Launches Policy Document
The National Coalition for Reform and Advancement Government has finally launched its policy statement.
New Initiative to Exchange Solutions Across the Pacific Launched
Press Release - 6th October 2010 - Practitioners across the Pacific and abroad will now have the opportunity to connect with, share and learn from each other on how to better address development needs with the launch today of the Pacific Solution Exchange Development Effectiveness Community (PSE_DEC).
Leong Bows Out at Commonwealth Games
Top Solomon Islands tennis player, Michael Leong bowed out of the 29th Commonwealth Games in New Delhi gracefully knowing that he has done his country proud.
Fiji: Former PM's Rights to Free Speech and Assembly Violated
5 October 2010 - Amnesty International is today calling on the government of Fiji to drop Public Emergency Regulations (PER)-related charges against the country's former prime minister after he was accused of failing to seek permission to hold a public meeting.
Solomon Airlines Twin Otter Planes Upgraded
Solomon Airlines announced today that it has finally purchased all the required materials for the Refurbishment and Upgrade of the first of their two (2) Twin Otters registered as H4-NNP and will be commencing soon to undertake the works locally and by their own LOCAL engineers.
Australia, ADB Work Together to Advance Gender Equality in the Region
MANILA, PHILIPPINES - The Government of Australia has agreed to extend an untied A$1 million grant for an Asian Development Bank (ADB) administered fund targeted at narrowing gender gaps in Asia and the Pacific.
Police Investigates Death at Koa Hill
Detectives from the National Criminal Investigation Division, with the support of Forensic officers, are investigating the circumstance surrounding the death of a 16 year old girl over the weekend.
Solomon's Women Soccer Team Reach Semi-Finals
Solomon Islands have booked a place in the semi-finals of the OFC Women's Nations Cup in Auckland, New Zealand.
It's Time to Build a Futsal Stadium: Tausinga
The Member of Parliament for North New Georgia Vona Vona, Hon. Silas Tausinga, has suggested that the government confirm from the Libyan government its offer to build a Futsal stadium for Solomon Islands.
Provincial Elections Confirmed for Six Provinces
People in six provinces will go to the polls on December 6 to choose their Provincial assembly members.
Solomon's Ready to Forgive and Forget
Solomon Islands will introduce laws to pardon serious crimes - including murder - committed during the years of ethnic unrest that sparked a major Australian-led peacekeeping mission.
Australia's Pacific Secretary Visits Solomon Islands
Australia's new Parliamentary Secretary for the Pacific, Richard Marles, will visit the Solomon Islands soon, in a familiarization trip of the region.
U.S. EPA Applauds American Samoa's Decision to Ban Plastic Shopping Bags
News Release - HONOLULU - The US Environmental Protection Agency today applauds the Governor, Legislature and residents of America Samoa for enacting restrictions banning plastic shopping bags - reducing their waste and protecting the environment in a single action.
Opposition Cautions Government on RAMSI Exit
A leading Solomon Islands opposition politician, Mathew Wale, says winding up the Regional Assistance Mission within six years is possible, but it would be pushing the limit.
Call for Removal of Police Commissioner Unjustified
The President of the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force's Senior and Subordinate Officers' Association (SPOA), Inspector Jack Balaga stated that the allegations and call for the removal of Police Commissioner Peter Marshall by the Solomon Islands Public Employees Union (SIPEU) are despicable and unfounded.
