Latest News Archive April 2011
75 articlesGuadalcanal Provincial Government to Hold Talks with Illegal Settlers
The Guadalcanal Provincial Government is embarking on a series of consultative talks with 'illegal' settlers in the province in an effort to resolve land issues facing the province and its people.
Government House Defends Decision
The Government House has defended the Governor General's decision to refuse the appointment of North Malaita MP, Jimmy Lusibaea, as a Cabinet Minister saying any action by the Governor General on the matter could be regarded as contempt of court.
A New Five Year Invasive Species Plan for Micronesia
Micronesian leaders met earlier this month (4-8 April) in Guam to develop its 5-year strategic plan on how to deal with invasive species.
Governor General Attends Royal Wedding
The Governor General Sir Frank Kabui and Lady Kabui have arrived in England, on the invitation of the Commonwealth's Royal Family, to attend the wedding of Prince William to Kate Middleton this weekend.
Tuvalu Government Welcomes Peer Review
PRESS RELEASE - 27th April 2011 - The Government of Tuvalu welcomes the peer review of development coordination under the Cairns Compact on Strengthening Development Coordination in the Pacific underway in the capital Funafuti this week.
Solomon Islands through to U20 Finals
The Solomon Islands Mamulas have advanced to the final of the OFC U-20 Championship by posting a thrilling extra-time penalty shoot-out win over Vanuatu after the scores were locked at 3-3 in today's first semi-final.
Axiom Denies Reports
Axiom Mining Limited has denied claims from the Office of the Prime Minister and cabinet alleging irregularities in the issue of the Letter of Intent and the subsequent granting of a Prospecting License to Axiom KB Limited.
Anzac Day Honoured in Solomon Islands
Over 400 people from the local and expatriate communities gathered at The Cenotaph at dawn on Monday 25 April for the Anzac Day Service of Remembrance.
Government Disputes Axiom's Mine License
The Solomon Islands government has stated that the prospecting license issued to a small Australian mining company, by the former minister of mines and energy, is invalid.
Avaiki Wins Marist Sevens Rugby Competition
Avaiki Rugby Club has successfully defended the Marist Annual Sevens Knockout competition.
WHO to Enhance Immunization Drive
MANILA, 25 April 2011-The World Health Organization (WHO) is stepping up efforts to ensure that more people in the Western Pacific Region, especially children and women, are protected from disease by immunization.
Marist Rugby Club Thanks Sponsors
Marist Rugby Club thanks Solbrew the major sponsor following the successful completion of the Solbrew Marist Rugby Sevens Tournament which saw Avaiki rugby re-claim the sevens title.
Powerful Earthquake over the Weekend
A powerful earthquake struck near the Solomon Islands on Saturday afternoon, seismologists said, but no tsunami warnings were issued.
Mismanagement of Tsunami Funds: Audit Report
An Audit Report has now confirmed that there were serious mismanagement of funds and relief supplies after the devastating tsunami that struck the Western Province.
Rugby 7s Workshop Gets Underaway in Honiara
The proposed Rugby 7s Match Officiating and Coaching workshop organized by the Solomon Islands Rugby Union Federation (SIRUF) starts this afternoon in Honiara.
NGO Warns of Dangers of Not Involving Youths in Pacific Arts Festival
The Regional Director of a Commonwealth NGO is urging the Solomon Islands government to involve young people in the planning of next year's Pacific Arts Festival.
SPC Has Full Confidence in Solomon Islands' Ability to Host Festival
With the deadline looming, and preparations said to be behind schedule the Secretariat of the Pacific Community has thrown its full support to the Solomon Islands.
![I urge the government ... [to] take the first step in the right direction: Dr. Derek Sikua, Opposition Leader.](https://d2t3awir4hhcxt.cloudfront.net/images/news/470fec50-92aa-4229-922e-1475c981aef7_big.webp)
Solomons Need Own University: Opposition Leader Sikua
The Parliamentary Opposition Leader, Dr. Derek Sikua, makes a second call on the government to consider building a national university for the country.
Time to Act Now on Forest Conservation and Management
The call for a concerted effort to conserve and sustainably manage our forest and tree resources is nothing new. It has, however, become more urgent, given the inability of many of the countries in the Pacific to move closer to this goal.
Supporting Pacific Island Nations in IPv6 Transition
Due to the phenomenal growth of the Internet over the years, Internet Protocol version 4 (IPv4) address space is running out. As a result, countries are moving towards adopting IPv6, the newer version of IP addressing that offers a solution to this problem.
NCRA Government Commits to Train Provincial Leaders
The National Coalition for Rural Advancement (NCRA) Government commits to offer further basic training for Provincial Account Committees and Provincial Elected Leaders through the Provincial Governance Strengthening Program (PGSP).
Guadalcanal Leaders Meet Prime Minister Philip
A delegation of Guadalcanal Leaders has met Prime Minister Danny Philip in Honiara today to discuss issues of interest to both the National and Guadalcanal Provincial Governments.
Fugui Opens Regional Conference on Climate Change
The Minister for Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management and Meteorology Hon. John Moffat Fugui says the early development of a Climate Change Adaptation plan is crucial for the Coral Triangle Region.
Solomon's High Commissioner Admits Problems if Logging Cease
The Solomon Islands High Commissioner to Australia has admitted that the demise of the Solomons' logging industry could spark tensions among landowners and the government.
New Cabinet Ministers Sworn in
Prime Minister Danny Philip has appointed six new ministers to his cabinet.
Consultations Key to PACER Plus Negotiations: Sisilo
Solomon Islands Trade Envoy Robert Sisilo says wider national consultations on the Pacific Agreement on Closer Economic Relations (PACER) PLUS is crucial to ensure the country's position truly reflects our national development aspirations.
SPC and UN-APCICT/ESCAP Strengthen Partnership in ICT Development
Friday, 15 April 2011 - Secretariat of the Pacific Community
SPC Confident Solomon Islands Will Successfully Host festival
The Secretariat of the Pacific Community's giving Solomon Islands its full support and commitment to help prepare for the hosting of next year's Pacific Arts Festival.
PACER Plus Not a Priority for Australia?
Media reports has revealed that Australia's recently launched trade policy has not featured PACER Plus in its list of "priority trade negotiations."
Isabel Focuses on Development Needs
The recently launched Isabel Provincial Government Policy Statement 2011-2015 focuses on five main development needs.
Isabel Recognizes Traditional Leaders and Churches
The Solomon Islands Isabel Province will continue to recognize and value the importance of its traditional leaders and the work of the church.
Preparations for Pacific Arts Festival Underway
The Solomon Islands now have just under one year of preparation for one of the Region's biggest event; the 11th Pacific Arts Festival in 2012.
Western Province to Take Part in 7s Easter Tournament
The Western Province Rugby Union Association today confirmed their participation in the up-coming Solbrew-Marist Easter 7s tournament on the 23rd of April 2011.
Plans to Review Provincial Government Act Begin
The Minister of Provincial Government and Institutional Strengthening (PGIS) has announced the intentions to review the Provincial Government Act.
National Consultations on PACER Begins
The Solomon Islands Minister of Foreign Affairs and External Trade Hon. Peter Shanel Agovaka, yesterday opened a national consultation meeting on the Pacific Agreement on Closer Economic Relations (PACER) in Honiara.
Rini Attends NAOs and RAOs Meeting in Brussels
Minister of Planning and Aid Coordination Hon. Snyder Rini was amongst the African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) National and Regional Authorising Officers who successfully completed a two-day meeting in Brussels, Belgium organised by the ACP Secretariat which closed yesterday.
The International Year of Forests (IYF) 2011
The International Year of Forests (IYF) 2011 has the theme Forests for People, celebrating the central role of people in the sustainable management, conservation and development of our world's forests. The elements in the logo show just a few of the many reasons forests and trees are so important.
Westpac Offers Education Grant
In celebration of International Women's Day's 100th anniversary, Westpac Solomon Islands announced the Westpac Women's Education Grants, offering financial assistance to girls and women of Solomon Islands to help them with the cost of their education.
Round-table Meeting to Discuss an Integrated Approach to Coastal Management in Fiji
Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC) - In an effort to bring about closer collaboration and integration of work and activities relating to coral ecosystems and marine biodiversity in Fiji, scientists, researchers, development partners and stakeholders will hold a roundtable meeting this month.
Solomon Islanders Want Recognition of Customary Laws
Most Solomon Islanders interviewed in the annual Solomon Islands Government-RAMSI People's Survey think customary law needs to be enshrined within national law.
Moti Wins Right to Appeal to High Court
Australia's High Court has approved a request for leave by former Solomon Islands Attorney General, Julian Moti, to appeal a Queensland court ruling that allowed the rape trial against him to proceed.
Western Province Steps Up Preventive Measures
The Western provincial health authority is stepping up preventative measures against a possible spread of Cholera across the Bougainville border.
Sikua's Planned Motion Dropped
The planned motion of no confidence against Prime Minister Danny Philip has been dropped.
Faced With Petition Sikua Moves Ahead with Motion
Opposition Leader, Dr Derek Sikua, wants to go ahead with his planned no-confidence motion today, despite having to answer to a petition lodged against him.
Strengthening Internet Governance and Policy in the Pacific
Sunday 10 April 2011, Noumea, New Caledonia - Over 70 delegates gathered in Noumea, New Caledonia to participate in the inaugural meeting of Pacific Internet Governance Forum (Pacific IGF) held in, Noumea, New Caledonia from 9 - 10 April 2011.
New Overseas Investor for KFPL
Minister of Finance and Treasury Hon. Gordon Darcy Lilo on Monday has signed a Memorandum of Understanding between the National Government, the Investment Corporation of Solomon Islands (ICSI) and a major Wood Manufacturing Company from Taiwan.
Our Telekom Selects Altobridge for Remote Community Expansion
KERRY TECHNOLOGY PARK, Ireland (Business Wire) Solomon Islands mobile network operator, Our Telekom, has selected the Altobridge lite-siteT as its solution of choice to bring first-time mobile connectivity to remote communities throughout the Solomon Islands.
SPC Signs MOU with Netsafe to Enhance Cooperation in Cybersafety Programmes
Saturday 9 April 2011, Noumea, New Caledonia
National Consultations on Pacer Plus Begins
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade is commencing an extensive series of national consultations this week on Solomon Islands' trade negotiations with Australia and New Zealand, commonly referred to as 'PACER Plus'.
ADB, Partners to Help 5 Pacific Nations Reduce Fossil Fuel Use
MANILA, PHILIPPINES - Five Pacific nations, which rely heavily on imported diesel for power generation, are expected to reduce their fossil fuel consumption with the help of a technical assistance from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and its partners.
No More Expansion: Guadalcanal Province
The Guadalcanal Province says that Honiara town land boundaries will remain within the current boundary and no further expansion should be accepted by the authorities.
Doctor Abandons US Patent Application
The Network of the Indigenous Peoples-Solomons, NIPS, welcomes the abandonment of a US patent application that uses genetic samples from Solomon Islanders, in a case that raises major ethical questions.
Solbrew Sponsors Marist Easter 7s
Solomon Breweries General Manager Andy Hewson has announced Solbrew as the major sponsor of the Solbrew-Marist Easter 7s tournament scheduled for Saturday the 23rd of April 2011.
Resource-Rich Economies Drive Growth in Pacific, but Inflation a Challenge - ADB Report
MANILA, PHILIPPINES - The economic outlook for the Pacific region is more positive for 2011 on the back of continued global recovery, buoyed by the strength of Australia's economy and higher commodity prices.
Survey Shows Concerns over Misuse of Power
An independent survey of about five thousand Solomon Islanders has found much support remains for the regional assistance mission or RAMSI. However, there are serious concerns about government accountability, particularly with regards to how they discharge powers vested in them by the country's Constitution.
Survey Shows Serious Offences Down, Petty Crime Up
A survey in Solomon Islands shows petty crime remains a significant problem but the number of serious offences is down.
Government Soon to Roll out Rural Internet
The government is soon to rollout satellite broadband internet access to rural centres in Solomon Islands to improve government service delivery in remote areas of the country.
New EU Ambassador to Solomon Islands Presents Credentials
Newly appointed European Union Ambassador to Solomon Islands has presented his letter of credence to the Governor General His Excellency Sir Frank Kabui in Honiara yesterday.
Australia Committed to a Healthier Solomon Islands
Australian High Commissioner, His Excellency Mr Frank Ingruber, today reaffirmed Australia's support for a healthy Solomon Islands.
Rick Hou Joins Government
Former Solomon Islands Central Bank Governor and the current Member of Parliament for Small Malaita, Rick Hou, is one of six Opposition MPs that have joined the Danny Philip led government.
PEC Fund Reports Steady Progress
PRESS STATEMENT - Monday 4th, April 2011 - Work is progressing steadily towards disbursing 6.8 billion yen (approx. US$66 million) to the region under the Pacific Environment Community (PEC) Fund.
Sumitomo Moving Ahead with Prospecting Plans
Sumitomo Metal Mining company says that they are not deterred, despite recent media reports that a little known company in Australia called Axiom is pushing for a prospecting license for Isabel.
Australia Assists Vella la Vella Community with Water Tanks
Australian Deputy High Commissioner, Ms Alison Duncan, has officially presented six water tanks to Maravari and Buleana villages in Vella la Vella.
Apaniai Appointed New High Court Judge
A new High Court Judge, Justice James Apaniai was welcomed by members of the Judiciary and guests yesterday morning.
Former MP Charged with Fraud
Fraud Detectives from the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force have arrested and charged a former Member of Parliament for Makira Ulawa Province.
Police Investigate Fatal Hit and Run Incident
Investigators from Police Traffic Centre with the assistance of Police Forensic officers are investigating a hit and run incident at Ranadi near the Marine School which resulted in the death of a woman over the weekend.
Illegal Fishing Cost Country Millions
With the recent detention of yet another fishing vessel, those familiar with the industry says that it is time the country does more to curb such illegal practice.
Land Reform Unit will keep Solomon Islanders informed: Nori
A consultant to the Customary Land Reform Unit in Solomon Islands, Andrew Nori, has said the outcome of research into rules of custom that apply to land tenure will allow people to read and understand the rules.
Rooms for Improvement in Use of Donor Funds: Sogavare
Member of Parliament for East Choiseul and Opposition MP, Hon. Manasseh Sogavare, said there are rooms for improvement on how donor funds are used and controlled.
Ashika Jury Decides Guilty Verdict for All
The jury for the case of the MV Princess Ashika, which tragically sunk in 2009 claiming 74 lives, decided on guilty verdicts for the four men charged over the incident.
Solomon's Ready to Trade with MSG: PM
Prime Minister Danny Philip has said that Solomon Islands are ready to trade with other Melanesian Spearhead Group members under the revised MSG Trade Agreement.
Auckland United Beats Amicale
Favourites Auckland City will take a narrow advantage into the 2nd leg of the 2011 O-League final after defeating Amicale 2-1 at Port Vila Stadium in Vanuatu on Saturday afternoon.
Christopher Laore Wins Shortland Seat
Christopher Laore has been declared the new Member of Parliament for Shortlands by the Governor General, Sir Frank Kabui.
NZ Reduces Tax Rates for RSE Workers
Solomon Islanders working in New Zealand under the Recognised Seasonal Employer Scheme will now enjoy better take home pay after the New Zealand government announced a cut on personal tax rates.
Shanel Calls for MSG Economic Union
Minister for Foreign Affairs and External Trade, Hon. Peter Shanel, has called on the 18th meeting of the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) of countries - Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Vanuatu and FLNKS/New Caledonia - to form a Pan-Melanesian Economic Union.
