Latest News Archive November 2011
100 articlesPICs Urged to Make Use of Aid Effectiveness Forum
Press Release - Busan, Republic of Korea, 28th November 2011
Violence against Women is a Global Concern: Sigimanu
Permanent Secretary for Women, Youth, Children and Family Affairs, Ethel Sigimanu, says violence against women and girls is a concern on every continent and in every culture.
Buala Communiqué Passes in Parliament
The Buala Communiqué of the 4th Premier's Conference has passed through parliament's committee of the whole house after one and a half days of debate.
Claims of Illegal Dolphin Shipment
Solomon Islands environmental campaigner, Lawrence Makili, says an illegal shipment of at least 50 dolphins has been smuggled out of the country bound for China.
Solomon Islands Defeats Niue in Rugby Oceania Cup
The opening match of the Oceania Cup between Niue and Solomon Islands, under the searing Port Moresby sun, was a very close affair despite Niue having a clear weight advantage over their opponents.
Asia's Role in Climate Change Solutions Key to Global Future - ADB
28 November 2011 - MANILA, PHILIPPINES
PM Lilo Seeks to Revive Coconut Industry
Prime Minister Gordon Darcy Lilo says the NCRA government pledges its support to revive the coconut industry.
Petition Case against Tran Postponed
Trial into the election petition case against West Honiara MP, Namson Tran has been postponed to a possible date next year.
The Australian High Commission Grows a Mo!
The men of the Australian High Commission have had a hairy month. Led by High Commissioner Matt Anderson, they have been growing moustaches in support of 'MOVEMBER'.
SPC and GIZ Announce Assistance to Pacific Coastal Fisheries to Cope with Climate Change
Pacific Islanders have long depended on the marine environment as a vital part of their social and economic development.
PNG: Complaints Process, Ethics Highlighted in Defamation Case
PFF, Rarotonga, COOK ISLANDS -- Another defamation suit filed against a PNG media organisation has raised questions on why public complaints are not being taken up with the national media complaints committee, says regional media freedom Monitoring network, the Pacific Freedom Forum, PFF.
Motion of No-confidence Withdrawn
The much anticipated motion of no confidence on Prime Minister Gordon Darcy Lilo has been withdrawn by the Opposition group.
Court Throws Out Case against Tuhanuku
A Principal Magistrate has dismissed charges of indecent assault against former South Pacific Oil Chairman, Joses Tuhanuku.
WHO Applauds Australia's New Tobacco Packaging Legislation
MANILA, 23 November 2011 - The World Health Organization congratulates Australia for becoming the first country to pass legislation requiring all tobacco products to be sold in plain packaging.
Local Rugby Club Participates in International 7s Rugby
A local rugby club, Avaiki Rugby Club, has recently returned from Australia having competed in a club/country international sevens tournament - the Noosa International 7s on the 12th-13th November 2011.
PM Lilo Adjourns Parliament
Prime Minister Gordon Darcy Lilo has adjourned Parliament until Friday saying his newly appointed Cabinet members needs time to settle into their Ministries.
SPC Builds Capacity for Sweet Potato Virus Testing
The Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC) has recently trained one of its staff on sweet potato virus diagnostics and elimination methods at the Queensland-based Gatton Research Station in the Australian Department of Employment, Economic Development and Innovation (DEEDI).
No Confidence Motion Proceeds
It has been confirmed by the National Parliament that the no confidence motion against Prime Minister Gordon Darcy Lilo will be tabled in Parliament on Friday.
EU Supports Civil Society Group
The European Union, EU, will give more than SBD$4.8 million dollars to six non state actor groups to further their programmes.
Police Mount Top Security Operation
The Acting Police Commissioner, Walter Kola, has announced a stronger security operation for the capital as Parliament reconvenes today morning.
Fight for PNG's Stolen Forests Only Just Begun
What would you do if you saw a bulldozer move across your front yard and start smashing your home and garden to bits? Then the bulldozer driver told you that a big company now owned your land and could do what they wanted with it for the next 99 years.
Majority in Province Support NCRA
As the motion of no confidence looms, a majority of Solomon Islanders living in the provinces say they support the NCRA led government.
Police Investigate Death
Police have launched an investigation and are speaking to residents of the Tasahe 'B' community near White River after the discovery of a dead body at an abandoned house yesterday afternoon.
Solomon Islands Qualifies for Millennium Funds
Port Moresby-based US Ambassador to Solomon Islands, Teddy Taylor, has said Solomon Islands are now qualified to be considered for funding support under the Millennium Challenge Account, MCA.
Hou Sworn in as Finance Minister
The Lilo led government has sworn in Member of Parliament for Small Malaita, Rick Hou, as the new Finance Minister. He was sworn in yesterday afternoon.
PM Lilo on Pending No Confidence Motion
Newly elected Prime Minister Gordon Darcy Lilo has welcomed the planned motion of no confidence saying that it is the opposition groups constitutional right.
Water Supply Project for Honiara and Auki
Work on a multi-million dollar water supply project for Honiara and Auki is expected to start early next year.
Taiwan Should Stop Giving "Loose Cash"
A political watchdog group in Solomon Islands is urging Taiwan to stop giving what it calls loose cash to members of parliament as it is contributing to instability.
Region Prepares to Implement New Seafaring Requirements
Maritime regulators, trainers and stakeholders from the Pacific region took part in a seminar to familiarise themselves with the requirements of the Manila Amendments to the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW) and Code.
Opposition Calls for Calm
Parliamentary Opposition Leader, Dr Derek Sikua, has called for calm amongst the public following the angry protests in Honiara over the outcome of the Prime Minister's election on Wednesday.
Parliament to Resume Next Wednesday
The National Parliament will reconvene next Wednesday, following adjournment yesterday.
Situation Under Control
Police have maintained order in Honiara after the election of Gizo/Kolombangara MP Gordon Darcy Lilo as Prime Minister.
Pacific Food Entrepreneurs Find New Uses for Old Ingredients
Ni-Vanuatu food entrepreneur Votausi Mackenzie-Reur has, quite literally, put her money where her mouth is.
Lilo Sworn in Amidst Protests
Hon. Gordon Lilo Darcy was confirmed to have been sworn in yesterday as the country's new Prime Minister by the Solomon Islands Governor General, Sir Frank Kabui.
Four Awarded Prestigious Scholarship
Four Solomon Islanders have been awarded the prestigious Australian Leadership Awards (ALA) scholarship to undertake postgraduate study in Australia next year.
Miss Solomon Selected
Local beauty queen Miss Simaema Mili Marie Nielson has been selected to represent Solomon Islands at this year' s Miss South Pacific Beauty Pageant in Apia, Samoa from December 4 -11.
New Prime Minister for Solomon Islands
Solomon Islands has a new Prime Minister.
Political Watchdog Voices Concern
Political watchdog, Transparency Solomon Islands says Taiwan should seize providing what it calls loose cash to members of parliament.
Police Beefs Up Security in the Capital
The Solomon Islands Acting Police Commissioner, Mr. Walter Kola says police will not underestimate reports of threats to today's Prime Minister's elections.
Sogavare Refutes Claims
Hon. Sogavare, a candidate for today's Prime Minister Election, has dismissed claims that Australia's interests and RAMSI's work in Solomon Islands will be undermined if he comes to power.
Parliament Confirms Timing of Elections
The Solomon Islands office of the National Parliament have confirmed that today's Prime Ministerial election will be at 9.30am local time.
Support Remains Strong for Two Candidates
Hon. Gordon Lilo Darcy and Hon. Milner Tozaka now seem to be the top choice of both the Opposition and the Solomon Islands care taker government, the National Coalition for Reform and Advancement.
Side Events on Pacific Organised During Asia Pacific Forestry Week
The Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC), in collaboration with its partners, organised two side events during the second Asia Pacific Forestry Week (APFW) held in Beijing.
More Opportunities Needed for Women
Women in the Solomon Islands need more opportunities to share their experiences of the country's ethnic tension a decade ago.
Women in Business Increase
A regional workshop involving representatives from Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands and Vanuatu began yesterday in Fiji where discussions will centre on improving growth opportunities for women business owners.
Liquor Ban Made Effective
The Solomon Islands Minister for Home Affairs, Hon. Maelanga has again gazetted a liqour and alcohol ban effective today to 8am Sunday, 20th of November.
Forum Refutes Claims
The Malaita Maasina Forum has dismissed a report that it supports the nomination of Gordon Darcy Lilo as one of the candidates for for Prime Minister.
Diabetes Remains a Threat
The non-communicable disease, diabetes remains the third top killer in Solomon Islands.
SPC and FAO Support Kids to Forest Initiative of Live and Learn Environmental Education
A pilot initiative to create awareness amongst youth and communities to appreciate the benefits of forests was recently piloted in the Fiji with support from the Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC) and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO).
International Mile Race in Gizo
A one mile race will be staged in Gizo next month to coincide with the Western Province Second Appointed Day.
TSI Concerned about Misuse of Aid Money
Transparency Solomon Islands (TSI) is very concerned that Solomon Islands may lose donors' support as almost 30 percent of billions of dollars spent annually for international development Projects were being diverted by corruption.
Six Candidates Nominated for PM
Six candidates have been nominated for the post of Prime Minister.
Prime Minister Danny Philip Resigns
Solomon Islands' Prime Minister, Danny Philip, has resigned ahead of a vote of no confidence.
Security Measures Tighten in Honiara
The Solomon Islands Police has stepped up its security in Honiara and at parliament house as it take precautionary measures for todays Motion of No Confidence.
Cattle Import Faces Criticisms
The Vanuatu Chamber of Commerce and Industry said the country's cattle farmers weren't consulted by the government over the agreement to export livestock to Solomon Islands.
Commission Confident with Evidence
The Solomon Islands Truth and Reconciliation Commission is confident it has sufficient information to conclude what caused the country's ethnic tensions a decade ago.
Lilo Describes Dismissal as Unfair
The Solomon Islands former Finance Minister, Hon. Gordon Darcy Lilo has described his dismissal by the Prime Minister as unfair.
Fiji National Tuna Data Workshop : Good Data = Good Decisions
Collecting and managing information is the core task for the majority of staff employed in Pacific Island fishery government agencies.
Honiara Remains Calm Prior to Sitting
Honiara remains calm this morning as everyone braces to see the turn out of the Motion of No-Confidence against Hon. Danny Philip, the current Solomon Islands Prime Minister.
Pacific Nations Commit to Ensuring Food and Water Security in the Face of Climate Change
Pacific Island government leaders and ministers as well as their metropolitan counterparts attending the 7th Conference of the Pacific Community in New Caledonia this week recognised the importance of ensuring that food and water security can be maintained in the face of climate change now and in coming decades.
Philip Confident Despite Challenges
More political upheaval occurred yesterday as the Solomon Islands Government and the Opposition prepare for the Motion of No Confidence to be debated today.
Waiia to American Samoa for Futsal
The number of Solomon Islanders taking up FIFA and Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) responsibilities in the region continues to rise as Victor Waiia becomes the latest to join an increasing line-up of international appointees.
Tsunami Exercise Held Today
A National Tsunami Exercise using a long-distance tsunami scenario is being carried out in the Solomon Islands today.
Urbanization Workshop Conducted
The Solomon Islands Ministry of Lands, Housing and Survey together with the Honiara City Council is organizing a workshop on the issues and challenges of urbanization in Honiara.
Rugby Referring Course to Begin
The Solomon Islands Rugby Union Federation (SIRUF) will this weekend conduct a Level 1 Refereeing workshop in Honiara for interested new rugby officials.
Challenges Faced as Friday Looms
The Solomon Islands Prime Minister, Hon. Danny Philip has revealed that he did not officially revoke the membership of seven backbenchers in the National Coalition for Rural Advancement government.
SPC Helps Pacific Nations Reduce Climate Change Risks to Food and Water
Monday 7 November 2011, Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC), Noumea, New Caledonia
Aircraft Found After 22 years
A United States aircraft that went missing 22 years ago in the Solomon Islands has been found beneath the waters of Santa Ana, Makira/Ulawa.
Temotu Premier Encourages Support to Government
The Premier of Temotu Province, Fr. Charles Brown Beu is calling on Temotu's three Parliamentarians to continue their support towards the current Solomon Islands government.
Resolution Connects with History
While undertaking a hydrographic survey in Tulaghi Harbour, Solomon Islands, the crew of HMNZS RESOLUTION took time to connect with the past and remember the crew of WWII Corvette HMNZS MOA.
Cattles Arrive in Solomons
A proud moment was made yesterday when four hundred cattles from neighbouring Republic of Vanuatu were off loaded onto the Solomon Islands shores.
Narasirato to Release New Album
Solomon Islands most famous panpipe band, Narasirato is working on releasing a new album come March 2012.
Parliamentarian Faces Petition Case
The High Court will deliver its judgement this week following the petition case against the Solomon Islands Member of Parliament for West Are'are, Hon. John Maneniaru.
Vanuatu Exports Cattle to Solomons
Vanuatu has made its first ever export of live cattle to Solomon Islands last week.
Mining Company Supports Rugby
Gold Ridge Mining Ltd sponsorship has been a crucial factor in the Solomon Islands Rugby Sevens Squad recent participation in the Oceania Sevens Championship in Samoa.
Marovo; Amazon of the Ocean
There has to be something special about the Marovo Lagoon in the Solomon Islands for it to be nominated as one of the seven natural wonders of Oceania.
Government Confident for Friday
The Solomon Islands Prime Minister, Hon. Danny Philip and his government are confident of defeating the proposed Motion of No-Confidence this Friday in Parliament.
Pacific Nations Discuss Climate Change Impact on Food, Drinking Water
Sunday 6 November 2011, Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC), Noumea, New Caledonia
Helping Each Other through Peer Reviews: NAURU TAKES ACTION
[Yaren, Nauru, 6th November 2011] Nauru is taking steady action towards improving development effectiveness on the small island nation.
Munda Incident Under Investigation
Chiefs are working closely with the police to successfully resolve a violent dispute that led to a large fight between two groups of men in Munda located in the Western Province of Solomon Islands.
Discretionary Funds Questioned
The subject of the discretionary funds often raises questions to the Solomon Islands citizens, especially with regards to how it had been and should be administered.
Island Life Far from Paradise
Working in a rundown Solomon Islands hospital was a heartbreaking but challenging experience for two Warrnambool medical students.
Worrying Signs Evident in Solomons
A former Police Commissioner of Solomon Islands, Mr. Frank Short has stated that there are some worrying signs for the future of Solomon Islands.
Global Link Strengthened for Primary School
A headteacher in Feniton Church of England Primary School is hoping to strengthen a village's global links during a visit to to the Solomon Islands this week.
Successor Programme for Solomons Approved
Finance and Treasury Minister, Hon Gordon Darcy Lilo, has announced that the Solomon Islands Government has reached an agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) on a reform program that can be supported by a precautionary Standby Credit Facility (SCF) once the current SCF arrangement expires this December.
Pacific Islanders in the Majority at SPC
More Pacific Islanders now work at the Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC), the region's oldest and largest development agency than in previous years.
Solomons in "Low Human Development" Category
Despite impressive human development rankings in some of the Pacific Island countries, the region like Solomon Islands face a future of rising sea-levels, reduced fresh water sources, and diminishing fish stocks.
Football Love Affair Continues
Providing smaller Pacific Island nations, like Solomon Islands with the means to develop football - both on and off the pitch - to a desired standard has been one of the over-riding challenges for OFC for many years.
Government Must Address Guadalcanal Demands: Panga
Former Guadalcanal Premier Stephen Panga says the national government to date has done very little to address the demands of the people of Guadalcanal relating to reconciliation, lost properties and land issues.
Opposition Files Police Case Against PM
The Opposition Leader on Tuesday filed an official complaint with the police against Prime Minister Philip for his gross abuse of the 2012 Prime Minister's discretionary fund.
Change of Government will Not Affect Budget: Wale
Acting Chair of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC), Mathew Wale, says any change of government would not cause any "major disruption to next year's national budget."
Regional Human Rights Training Workshop for Lawyers and Magistrates
The SPC Regional Rights Resource Team (SPC/RRRT) in partnership with the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat(PIFS) will this week conduct the 2011 'Regional Human Rights Training Workshop for Lawyers and Magistrates'.
Lilo Acknowledges Tax Payers
The Solomon Islands Finance Minister, Hon. Gordon Darcy Lilo has applauded the many members of the business community, salary and wage earners who have been complying with the countries tax and customs duty laws.
Community Receives Water Supply
On 27 October, Solomon Islands Forestry Minister and Member of Parliament for East Guadalcanal, Bradley Tovosia, and the Australian High Commissioner Matt Anderson launched the Ovana Community Rural Support Supply Project.
Women's Business Association Launches Website
Solomon Islands Women in Business Association (SIWIBA) yesterday launched their new webpage to link women running all kinds of businesses with new and potential customers .
Calls for Scholarships for those with Special Needs
The Government of Solomon Islands has been encouraged to set up separate scholarship funds for people with special needs.
Pacific Prepare for UN Climate Conference
Over 18 country delegates took part in training to prepare for the 17th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework to the Convention on Climate Change at the end of this year.
Form Six Exams Begin Today
Form six students around the country began sitting their external exams today.
No Need for Disclosure: Sogavare
A former Prime Minister has dismissed Prime Minister Danny Philip's call for disclosure of details of transactions made from discretionary funds for former Prime Ministers if they are serious about public scrutiny.
Ship Owners Cautioned
Solomon Islands Police in Gizo are cautioning commercial cargo ship owners and captains to thoroughly check cargoes aboard their ships.
