Latest News Archive May 2011
76 articles
Government Keen to Re-start Cattle Project
The Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock will present a white paper to cabinet seeking a new arrangement to import cattle into the country under the National Cattle Rehabilitation Project.
European Union Releases 9 million (Euros) for Pacific ACP Countries
European Union releases 9 million (Euros) for increasing the trade capacity of Pacific ACP countries
Government Offers Stirling Island to Australia
Prime Minister Danny Philip has said that Solomon Islands offer to assist Australia with its asylum-seekers processing centre, was in response to reports that there were difficulties with the Australian Government's proposal to have it done in East Timor.
Agreement Strengthens Partnership Between Pacific and Caribbean
Press Release - Apia, Samoa - A memorandum of understanding has been signed between the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Program (SPREP) and the Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre (5C's).
A "Solomon Solution" Unlikely?
It has been revealed that the Solomon Islands government is seriously exploring the possibility of hosting an asylum-seeker processing centre.
Solomon Airlines to Fly National Colours in New A-320 Aircraft
Solomon Airlines will start flying the country's national colours again on its international route soon as it prepares to take delivery of a new A-320 aircraft.
Radio Australia's Pacific Break 2011 - now open!
The opportunity for Pacific musicians to share and display their musical talent has returned.
Beautification Nursery Launched
Solomon Islands key parties yesterday marked a historic development for the Solo Enviro Beautification (SEB).
TRC to Hold Another Hearing
The Solomon Islands Truth and Reconciliation Commission is planning to hold a third thematic public hearing for ex-combatants in either the Western or Choiseul Province soon.
Monument to Honour Local WWII Scouts and Coastwatchers
Local scouts and coastwatchers of World War II will be honoured with a monument soon in the heart of Honiara city.
Working Together to Combat Tropical Diseases
Solomon Islands can eradicate tropical diseases if people are responsible enough to look after themselves.
WHO Calls for Tougher Laws on Smoking
MANILA, 31 May 2011 - The World Health Organization (WHO) today called on governments to pass and enforce national laws that will prevent premature deaths from tobacco-related diseases.
Tourism Minister Visits Western Province
The Minister of Tourism and Culture Hon. Samuel Manetoali will be visiting tourism establishments in Gizo, Western province, today.
Culture Mapping, Planning and Policy (CMPP) Sub-Regional Workshop
More resources and better coordinated approach needed to address culture sector, says former Tuvalu PM
Minister Appoints New Telecommunications Commissioner
Minister for Communications and Aviation, Andrew Hanaria announced the appointment of Mr Bernard Hill, a senior executive of a Hong Kong based Consultancy Company, as the next Telecommunications Commissioner.
Foreign Affairs Confirms Suspension of Bata'anisia
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade confirms that the former Solomon Islands High Commissioner to Papua New Guinea, Bernard Bata'anisia, has been recalled and subsequently suspended.
Reform of SOEs will be Beneficial for Solomon Islands
A former New Zealand MP says steps taken to reform State Owned Enterprises (SOE) will have huge benefits to the ordinary people of Solomon Islands.
Suri Clarifies Adjournment of Dr Sikua's Petition Case
Dr Derek Sikua's legal Counsel has clarified that the constant adjournment of his client's petition trial can be blamed on both parties and not only on Dr Sikua.
Provincial Leaders to Observe Next Parliament Meeting
Leaders of the six provinces who participated in the recent Provincial Speakers and Clerks Attachment will observe the next National Parliament meeting that should resume mid this year.
Conservation Awareness Strengthened in Rotuma
Empowered communities in Rotuma, an isolated island located to the North of Fiji, are strong stewards of their environment caring for their biodiversity and undertaking programs to conserve nature on the island.
National Referral Hospital Lacks Adequate System: AG Report
An Auditor General's report which contained 118 recommendations included a key finding that the National Referral Hospital lack adequate system.
Managing the Impact of Climate Change on the Agricultural Sector
Wednesday 18th May, 2011 Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC) Suva, Fiji
Project Officer Calls for Relocation of Atoll Islanders
People living in low lying islands in the country need to be considered for relocation before the devastating effects of climate change becomes too late to address.
Government Seeks to Retain Tuna Wealth
The Solomon Islands government is seriously pursuing initiatives that should see greater returns from the exploitation of its rich tuna resources.
Ragomo Scoops Two Awards
Inspirational Solomon Islands Futsal captain, Elliot Ragomo, has won two awards at the OFC Futsal Champions that ended last Friday in Suva, Fiji.
New Zealand MP Leads Trade Mission to Solomon Islands
An influential group of New Zealand business people, led by New Zealand MP John Hayes, is to visit Honiara this week to develop business opportunities between New Zealand and the Solomon Islands.
SPC to Concentrate on Climate Change Adaptation Issues
Wednesday 19th May, 2011 Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC) Suva, Fiji
What is the Kurukuru?
If you are not a Solomon Islander, you may have wondered about the name 'Kurukuru' as used by the Solomon Islands National Futsal Team. Kurukuru is actually a Solomon Islands term for the Pigeon bird.
Kurukuru to Return Home to Heores Welcome!
Solomon Islands much loved Kurukuru Futsal Team will return home today to a heroes welcome. Hundreds have made the trip to Henderson Intentional Airport to greet these young brave hearts. Hundreds more are expected to line the streets as they parade through town with the winning trophy.
ADB to Help Step Up Resource Management in Threatened Coral Triangle
MANILA, PHILIPPINES (19 May 2011) - One of the world's most diverse and threatened marine ecosystems - the Coral Triangle - is getting Asian Development Bank (ADB) support to improve management of its rich resources and to provide job alternatives for people living in the coastal communities.
Dutch Ambassador Presents Credentials
Netherlands newly appointed Ambassador to Solomon Islands has presented his Letter of Credence to the Governor General Sir Frank Kabui.
Solomon Gold Unveils Positive Drill Results
Gold and copper explorer Solomon Gold (SOLG) unveiled further positive results from its wholly-owned Fauro Island Project drilling programme in the Solomon Islands.
Kurukuru Humbles Vanuatu 13-1
The Kurukuru have booked a meeting with Tahiti in the grand final of the OFC Futsal Championship after sweeping aside Vanuatu 13-1 in the second semi-final this evening.
Solomon Islands Beats Tuvalu 16-0
The Kurukuru have sent a warning to their semi-final rivals with a clinical dismantling of underdogs Tuvalu in the final match of Group B at the OFC Futsal Championship.
Water Project Might Lose Millions
Solomon Islands is on the verge of losing a Japanese International Cooperation Agency funding of more than SBD$250 million dollars to improve water and sanitation in Honiara because a particular landowning party refused to sign the agreement.
Government Seeks to Improve Agricultural Exports
The Minister for Agriculture and Livestock Development, Hon. Connelly Sandakabatu, has launched a new Pacific-wide initiative to help increase agricultural exports and increase foreign earnings for the country.
PILN highlighted as a model for South-South Cooperation
Seven-years since the Pacific Island countries requested for its set up - the Pacific Invasives Learning Network (PILN) will be showcased at a South-South Cooperation meeting in Korea from 18-20 May.
Nagoya Protocol - Access and Benefits Sharing
Press Release: Nature Conservation
Kurukuru Claims Hard Fought Victory over Tahiti
The Kurukuru have joined Vanuatu in making it through to the semi-finals of the OFC Futsal Championship after eventually edging out a determined Tahiti outfit 1-0.
ROC Funds Solar for National Parliament
The Government of the Republic of China (ROC), Taiwan, has formally handed over funds totaling SB$1.85 million (US$234,000) towards the National Parliament Office Complex Solar project.
Solomons Close Tuna Fishery This Month
Solomon Islands are in the process of closing its waters to foreign purse seiners this month. The decision to do so has been described by many in the fishing industry as "bold and decisive."
Enhancing Government Services in the Pacific Region Using ICT
In response to the challenges and opportunities of this digital age, many public sector organisations are embracing the concept of e-government-government using information and communication technology (ICT) to improve their service delivery, strengthen accountability, and increase transparency.
IMF Satisfied with Solomon Islands Performance
An International Monetary Fund (IMF) mission team led by Mr. Hoe Ee Khor visited Honiara during May 3-13, 2011, and is so far satisfied with its second review under the Standby Credit Facility arrangement with the Solomon Islands.
Kurukuru Beats New Caledonia 13-5
Solomon Islands Kurukuru has sounded the alarm at the start of the 2011 Oceanic Football Confederation (OFC) Futsal Championship at the Vodafone Arena in Suva, Fiji, beating New Caledonia 13-5.
Bandits Raid Fauro Mine Site
Unconfirmed reports state that a group of heavily armed bandits raided the Fauro Mine Site and stole very expensive equipments and gold samples.
Tonga Hosts Forum Trade Officials and Ministers
Press Statement - Monday 16 May 2011 The Forum Trade Ministers' Meeting (FTMM) will be held in Vava'u, Kingdom of Tonga on 18-19 May 2011.
Strong Earthquake Strikes Solomon Islands
A strong 6.5-magnitude earthquake struck the Western Solomons, beneath the sea off Papua New Guinea, prompting a local tsunami alert, US seismologists say.
GP Premier Says No To Extension of Town Boundaries
Guadalcanal Province Premier Anthony Veke says his government will not accept any proposal to extend town boundaries of Honiara without the consent of its people.
Taxpayers Foot Car Rental Arrangement
Tax-payers will be footing a monthly bill of SBD$56,000 for vehicle rentals following a private arrangement agreed upon by the Prime Minister's Office and East Fataleka MP, Steve Abana.
Axiom KB Must Comply with Our Laws: PM
Prime Minister Danny Philip has warned that it is in the best interest of Axiom Kolosori and Bungusule and both its overseas and local shareholders to follow the directives of the government.
Commemorating International Migratory Birds Day in our Pacific
Today is International Migratory Birds Day, and the Pacific is the place where some of the longest and most spectacular bird migrations take place, although many Pacific islanders these days may not be aware of migrant birds.
Kukudu Benefits through Generosity
Peter Clement and his wife Kerrie simply could not ignore the plight of the people of Kukudu in the western province of the Solomon Islands when the couple spent five weeks there as part of a voluntary medical mission in 2009.
Taiwan Funds Parliament Solar Project
The Government of the Republic China has formally handed over funds totaling SB$1.85 million (US$234,000) towards the Solomon Islands National Parliament Office Complex Solar project.
Asia's Booming Economies Need to Tackle Soaring Road Accident Rates - ADB
MANILA, PHILIPPINES -ADB today marked the start of a worldwide Decade of Action for Road Safety with a call for governments to tackle Asia and the Pacific's disproportionately high rate of road fatalities and serious injuries.
SPC and UOG Expand Partnership
he Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC) and the University of Guam (UOG) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to enhance their collaboration.
Pacific ACP Countries and CROP Agencies High Performers Under EDF
PRESS RELEASE (32/11) 10th May 2011
Solomon Islands Undertakes Crucial Land Reforms
Land disputes are seen as major obstacles to development in many Pacific Island states, particularly in the larger Melanesian nations like Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu and Fiji.
European Union Contributes to New International Network on Tropical Root Crops
The European Union (EU) has contributed ?3 million over five years to the newly formed International Network for Edible Aroids (INEA), and the Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC) is one of the project's implementing agencies. INEA is a consortium of scientists and growers from all over the world.
SG Welcomes US President's Decision on Treaty of Rarotonga
PRESS STATEMENT - Friday 6th May 2011 - The Secretary General of the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat, Tuiloma Neroni Slade warmly welcomes United States President Obama's decision to seek Senate consent to ratify the South Pacific Nuclear Free Zone Treaty protocols.
Illegal Logging a Big Problem: Minister
Solomon Islands Forestry Minister, Bradley Tovosia, says that illegal logging remains a big concern in the country.
Bugotu Landowners Calls for Investigation
The Bugotu Landowners Association, B-L-A, calls on the NCRA Government to immediately appoint a Commissioner to investigate the events surrounding the International Tender, the awarding and subsequent cancellation of a Letter Of Intend to Sumimoto Minerals and Mines.
TSI Commends Government
Transparency Solomon Islands, TSI, has praised the government for taking an important step in building transparency and accountability in the fast growing extractive industry.
NZ Hosts Pacific Regional Counter-Terrorism Exercise
PRESS STATEMENT from the office of New Zealand Foreign Minister, Hon. Murray McCully - Wednesday 4th May 2011 - Foreign Minister, Murray McCully, says a Pacific regional counter-terrorism exercise is being hosted in New Zealand this week.
Korea Signs New $550 Million Cofinancing Agreement with ADB
HA NOI, VIET NAM - The Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Government of the Republic of Korea today signed an agreement to extend and expand Korea's support for ADB development projects in Asia and the Pacific.
Youth Mainstreaming Promoted
The Solomon Islands Ministry of Women, Youth and Children Affairs in collaboration with the Commonwealth Youth Programme Pacific Centre conducted a workshop in preparation for a series of upcoming Provincial Youth Mainstreaming Summits.
Commission Concludes Hearing
The Solomon Islands Truth and Reconciliation Commission has continued collecting evidence about the country's ethnic conflict, with a two-day hearing in Buma village on Malaita Province.
Opportunity Through Exchange
For four Year 11 teenagers from the Solomon Islands, leaving their home country for the first time and spending a week in Lismore, Australia, comes as a big culture shock.
Border Control Needed Against Pests
Solomon Islands quarantine officials say more border control is needed to prevent a potentially harmful cocoa pest from entering its borders.
Asia Must Address Climate Change Impact on Water and Food - ADB Panel
HA NOI, VIET NAM - Climate change will create unprecedented challenges in the Asia-Pacific region in coming years, intensifying existing pressures on water and food supplies, while exacerbating weather related disasters, a panel of experts stressed today.
Expansion of Social Protection is Key to Inclusive Growth, Says Civil Society Panel
Broader social protection will help the poor and vulnerable in Asia and the Pacific to break the cycle of poverty and enhance the quality of the region's economic growth through better employment opportunities, increased productivity, and protection against economic shocks, a panel of experts said today.
CBSI Appoints New National Financial Inclusion Unit Manager
The Central Bank of Solomon Islands (CBSI) has announced the appointment of Miss Caroline Kanoko as the first female Manager to head the newly established National Financial Inclusion Unit (NFIU) at the bank.
Green Leaders Spell Out Vision for Next 50 Years
Zurich, April 29th 2011 - A summit of environmental leaders and politicians has called for an urgent move towards a global green economy in order to achieve sustainable development over the next half century.
RAMSI Says It Could Investigate Porn Video
The Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands, RAMSI says it is prepared to make further inquiries into the pornographic film allegedly involving one of its soldiers and a local teenage female.
EU Announces EU$400,000 Worth of Funding for NGOs
The European Union office in Honiara has called for Non-State Actors in Development in Solomon Islands to submit proposals for grant awards this year.
Mining License Remain Invalid
Solomon Islands Government official, Alfred Sasako, says the suspension of the prospecting license for Australian nickel mining company, Axiom still remains.
Responding to Cybercrime Threats in the Pacific
Wednesday 27 April 2011, Nuku´alofa, Tonga - Threats originating from cybercrime or computer-related crime are just as real to Pacific Island nations as any other country in the world and therefore need to be addressed through appropriate national cybercrime policies and legislation
