Latest News Archive August 2011
93 articles
Solomon Islands Beats American Samoa
Solomon Islands have beaten American Samoa 4-0 in their men's Group A match at Riviere Salée in Nouméa at the XIV Pacific Games.
Guns Crossing Solomon Islands Border, Police say
The Royal Solomon Islands Police Force is working with Bougainville police to step up border protection.
MoU to Set Up Canadian Education in Solomons
Canada's Kwantlen Polytechnic University and the Canadian International Training & Education Corp (CITREC). have signed a Memorandum of Understanding that opens doors for introduction of Canadian Education in the Solomon Islands.
Pacific Heads of Education Committed to Education Development
Press Release - 30th August 2011 - As the 18th Consultation Meeting of the Pacific Heads of Education Systems (PHES) ended in Koror, Republic of Palau on 26th August, there was a general feeling of renewed commitment towards fast-tracking reforms in education in the region for the benefit of all Pacific children.
MSG Begins Tommorrow
A special Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) meeting will be held tommorrow in Nadi, Fiji.
Critical Assessment in Leaked Cable
According to a secret United States diplomatic assessments, more than a billion dollars and eight years of effort by Australia has failed to build political and economic stability in the Solomon Islands.
ADB Calls for Sustained Commitment, Partnerships to Prevent HIV/AIDS
BUSAN, REPUBLIC OF KOREA - The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has called for sustained commitment, leadership and partnerships to prevent the further spread of HIV/AIDS.
Solomon Islands Endorses EITI
Solomon Islands have made a landmark decision by choosing to endorse the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative, EITI, as a cornerstone of transparency in the management of the country's growing mining sector.
Soccer Results Bring Mixed Fortunes for Solomons
The South Pacific Games soccer matches has kicked off with some predictable outcomes.
RIPEL Exits with SBD$34 Million
The NCRA government has signed a SB$34.8 million dollar exit agreement on RIPEL of Russell Islands - ending eight years of the investment's non-activity and labour disputes in the country.
Soccer Gear up for Pacific Games Challenge
Football fans across the Pacific, including the Solomon Islands are set to enjoy 49 international matches over the next two weeks as the XIV Pacific Games gets underway in Nouméa, New Caledonia, this Saturday.
Union Meets Government Over Claims
Public Sector Unions in the country have met the government late yesterday afternoon relating to their Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) demands.
Five Die in Freak Accident
The Royal Solomon Islands Police Force says that five people have died in a fatal road accident in Malaita Province early yesterday morning.
Ban Ki-moon Historic Visit to Solomon Islands
U.N. Secretary General Ban Ki-moon will visit Solomon Islands on the 3rd and 4th of September 2011.
SPC Contributes to WOWS
Staff and management of the Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC) handed over a donation of $1,615.00 to the Walk On Walk Strong (WOWS) Fund yesterday (17th August).
Israel Begins Third Mission to Solomons
Israel's 3rd Mission to Solomon Islands began yesterday, 24th August and will end on the 5th of September 2011.
Vanuatua and Temotu Trade Agreement Signed
The Governments of Solomon Islands and Vanuatu has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) last week to open a trade link between Vanuatu and Solomon Islands' Temotu Province.
ADB to Help Boost Affordable, Accessible ICT Services in Tonga
MANILA, PHILIPPINES - The Asian Development Bank (ADB) is assisting the people of the Kingdom of Tonga to gain high-speed internet access by financing the development of a submarine cable system.
NCRA Listens and Acts: Philip
Solomon Islands Prime Minister, Hon. Danny Philip, has continued his assault on the Opposition, stating that his government is the first ever to stop appointing politicians to chair Boards of State-Owned Enterprises (SOE).
Prime Minister's Actions Described as Childish
Solomon Islands Opposition Leader Dr Derek Sikua has described Prime Minister Danny Philip's personal attacks on him in the media as childish.
International Soldier Avoids Jail Term
The soldier who set up a gay-hate Facebook site and threatened to cut a gay officer ''into a hundred pieces'' has avoided jail after a judge found he was suffering from post traumatic stress triggered while on duty in the Solomon Islands.
Pacer Plus Meeting Completed Successfully
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade has successfully held a national seminar on Monday 15th August on Solomon Islands' PACER Plus Trade Negotiations with Australia and New Zealand.
Solomons Lay Down Fisheries Conditions
Acting Minister of Fisheries and Marine Resources Hon. Moffat Fugui has warned that future fishing access agreements with distant water fishing nations and fishing fleets will be conditional on the satisfactory negotiation of an agreement that will be clearly linked to onshore investments.
Ministry of Finance Takes Stand Against Corruption
The Permanent Secretary of the Solomon Islands Ministry of Finance, Mr Shadrach Fanega, has advised ministries that incidents of maladministration, fraud and corruption by government officers and suppliers will not be tolerated.
Solomons Commits to Partnership with EU
Minister of Foreign Affairs and External Trade Hon. Peter Shanel Agovaka says Solomon Islands is committed to negotiating a comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) with the European Union (EU)
High Court Hears "Intelligence Report" Claim
The hearing into the defamation claim against Solomon Islands Prime Minister, Hon. Danny Philip and his former press secretary Alfred Sasako was underway at the High Court yesterday.
Agricultural Markets in IT
Improving efficiency of agricultural markets in the Pacific through the use of information technology
Provinces Receive Capacity Analysis Training
A workshop on Capacity Development Needs Assessment (CDNA) for Provincial Governments has started in Honiara Solomon Islands today, at the Heritage Park Hotel.
Japanese Funded Hospital a Boost to Healthcare
In an official ceremony last week, the Japanese government handed over the new state of the art hospital in Gizo to the Solomon Islands government.
Prime Minister Under Scrutiny Again
The Solomon Islands Leader of Opposition, Dr. Derek Sikua has issued another call for the Prime Minister to seize abusing his official position to interfere in the operations of state-owned enterprises.
Australia A Key Partner in Inclusive and Sustainable Growth in Asia and Pacific
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - Asian Development Bank (ADB) President Haruhiko Kuroda reaffirmed ADB's strong partnership with Australia during an official three-day visit aimed at further strengthening cooperation between Australia and ADB in joint efforts to fight poverty and promote development in the Asia and Pacific region.
Fisheries Ministry Investigates Confiscated Corals
The enforcement team within the Ministry of Fisheries is to conduct an investigation into the coral skeletons illegally taken out from the country and seized by US customs in Port Tampa, Florida, United States.
Pacific Plan Achievements in the Past Year
PRESS RELEASE - 17th August 2011 - The Pacific Plan endorsed by Pacific Islands Forum Leaders in 2005 has recorded good achievements in the past year despite continuing challenges in the implementation of the Plan.
Villagers Catch Massive Croc
A six feet long crocodile was captured this morning at Tamboko in West Guadalcanal by locals.
TRC Concludes Exhumation of Four Bodies
The Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) has completed its exhumation of four bodies killed during the ethnic tension.
Rugby 7s Final Squad Named
The final squad to represent 7s rugby in the South Pacific Games has been announced.
Telekom Drops Mobile Internet Charges
Our Telekom has announced a drop in its Mobile Internet Rates by over 50 per cent.
Local Companies Need Assistance Not Condemnation: PM
Prime Minister Danny Philip has lashed out at allegations of "undue influence" levelled against him by the MP for East Honiara Douglas Ete.
ADB, World Bank to Support High-Speed Internet in Tonga
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - The Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the World Bank are seriously considering a project that will help the Pacific Island nation of Tonga gain high-speed internet access for its population of 100,000 people through an underwater fiber optic cable.
Airbus Soon to Arrive
Solomon Islands National Carrier, Solomon Airlines is now only waiting approval from the Australia's Civil Aviation Safety Authority before its leased Airbus can begin operations in Solomon Islands.
Cabinet Approves Initiatives to Improve Mining Sector
Cabinet has approved two new initiatives, including a new mining tax framework, to ensure greater returns and transparency in the country's mining sector.
Hon. Philip's Leadership Questioned
The Solomon Islands Prime Minister, Hon. Danny Phillip has again come under criticism for allegedly directing the Solomon Islands Electricity Authority (SIEA) to reconnect power supplies to a privately owned company.
SIS Commended for Implementation of Forum Compact
PRESS RELEASE - 15th AUGUST 2011 - Pacific Islands Forum Smaller Island States have been commended for their implementation of the Forum Compact for Strengthening Development Cooperation endorsed by Forum Leaders in Cairns, Australia in 2009.
American Samoa and Tuvalu Join Battle Against Lifestyle Diseases
American Samoa and Tuvalu have joined other Pacific Island countries and territories in a joint initiative to tackle the epidemic of lifestyle disease such as heart failure, diabetes and cancer.
Climate Change Funds must be spent Responsibly: TSI
Transparency Solomon Islands (TSI) encourages the governments to spend money that is allocated for climate change initiatives responsibly.
RAMSI Speaks on Transition
The acting Special Coordinator of RAMSI, Wayne Higgins, says that RAMSI is working with the National Government and the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force to ensure that the country's provinces are properly consulted on RAMSI's transition.
Our Health Systems are Being Crippled by NCDs, Says WHO
A World Health Organization (WHO) specialist in nutrition and physical activity has called on health experts from around the region to strengthen their health systems to combat the non-communicable disease (NCD) crisis.
University Takes Possession of Coral Haul from Solomon Islands
A Florida university says hundreds of seized coral skeletons illegally poached in the Solomon Islands will be used for research and educational purposes.
OCTA Enters Funding Agreement with New Zealand
The Office of the Chief Trade Adviser (OCTA) has entered a two-year grant funding arrangement for NZ$1.3 million (US$1million) with the Government of New Zealand on 7 July 2011.
Sri Lankan Contractors leave the Solomon's
The hugs, the patting, smile and separation marked an emotional end to contractors from Sri Lanka who helped construct the new modern Gizo hospital in the Western Province of Solomon Islands.
Gizo Hospital Taking Shape
As it nears full completion, the Gizo Hospital is fittingly being described as the "Pride of the West."
Disability Issues an Enormous Challenge
PRESS RELEASE - 10th August 2011 - There must be a change of attitude and perception on how to address disability issues not only at the policy level but also at the operation level in the Pacific region.
Soccer Squad Named for Upcoming Games
Weeks of nervous anticipation have come to an end for members of the Solomon Islands training squad with the announcement of a list of 25 names for the XIV Pacific Games.
Violence Aganist Women High in Solomons
Across the Pacific region, high rates of violence against women and children, unstable political environments and ethnic conflict continue to undermine peace and security - compromising the safety of individuals, families and entire populations
Arrest Made Over Firearm Possession
The Royal Solomon Islands Police (RSIP) have arrested a man for threatening violence that involved firearm and ammunition.
Sikua Calls on PM to Resign
The Leader of Opposition, Dr Derek Sikua, calls on Prime Minister Danny Philip to resign for allegedly selling a government-owned house at Tandai to the Member of Parliament for West Honiara without the consent of cabinet.
Temotu Seeks to Forge Trade Links with Vanuatu
Temotu Province is gearing up for trade link talks with Vanuatu, scheduled to take place in Port Villa later this month.
PACP Trade Ministers Welcome Market Access Progress
PRESS STATEMENT - [Port Moresby, PNG - Tuesday 9th August 2011] Progressing market access offers by Pacific ACP States is an important step toward the establishment of a trade agreement with the European Union.
Defamation Claim Hearing Deferred, Sasako Absent
Hearing into the defamation claim against Prime Minister Danny Philip and his former press secretary Alfred Sasako did not proceed yesterday because Mr Sasako failed to turn up.
Minister 'Akolo Welcomes Pacific EPA Progress
PRESS STATEMENT - [Port Moresby, PNG - Monday 8th August 2011] The Pacific is progressing steadily towards negotiating a comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) with the European Union (EU).
Taiwan Releases Millions for Rural Based Projects
Republic of China, Taiwan, has released funds for 15 rural community projects worth nearly SB$8 million dollars to Prime Minister Danny Philip in Honiara late yesterday afternoon.
Government Given Yet another Ultimatum
Public Sector Unions have given the national government until the end of this month to respond to a second option relating to their demand for 11.5 % Cost of Living Adjustment increase.
Defamation Case against PM Starts Today
A hearing will be conducted at the High Court this morning into the defamation suit filed against Prime Minister Danny Philip and his former press secretary Alfred Sasako.
Trial on Prostitution Ring Continues
Two Chinese men allegedly involved in organizing a prostitution ring in the Solomon Islands continued at the Magistrate Court today.
AID FOR TRADE: Addressing the Pacific's Unique Challenges
PRESS STATEMENT - [Port Moresby, PNG - Monday 8th August 2011] Isolation, remoteness and fragmentation are elements the Pacific region is all too familiar with.
Australia to Provide More for Education
Australia will contribute up to 48 million dollars to Solomon Islands under the new direct funding arrangement which will commence in the third quarter of 2011.
Agreement Signed for Festival Village
The National Organizing Committee of the 11th Festival of Pacific Arts has signed a significant Memorandum of Agreement with the Solomon Islands College of High Education to open the way for construction of festival facilities at a number of SICHE locations.
Fisheries Remains Key to Pacific Trade Negotiations
PRESS STATEMENT - [Port Moresby, PNG - Monday 8th August 2011] The Pacific's fish stocks remain instrumental to the region's negotiations for an Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) with the European Union (EU).
Flying Doctors End Successful Trip
A group of Flying Doctors of America have had a successful eight days providing medical work in the Solomon Islands specifically in East Malaita and at the National Referral Hospital.
Australian Parliamentary Delegation Visits Solomons
An Australian Parliamentary Delegation recently visited Solomon Islands from 31 July to 5 August.
Australian Footy Kicking in the Solomons
Footy doesn't stop in nations not attending the International Cup and in the Solomon Islands activities have been ongoing.
Battle of Guadalcanal Anniversary Marked
The first memorial to honour Solomon Islands Second World War scouts and coast watchers was unveiled in Honiara yesterday.
Malaita to Co-Host Festival Activities
The Malaita Premier Hon. Edwin Suibaea has welcomed the opportunity given to his province to host some activities during the upcoming 11th Festival of Pacific Arts in Solomon Islands in July 2012.
Officials Deny Collusion in Moti Deportation
The High Court has been told Australian officials did not do anything illegal during the deportation of former Solomon Islands attorney-general Julian Moti to Australia.
Peace Framework Developed for Solomon Islands
Following a year of UQ-led field research and workshops, a 'Framework of Engagement' for building peace and order in the Solomon Islands has been developed.
SPC Develops Marketing Strategy for Pacific Cultural Industries
The Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC) Human Development Programme (HDP) has appointed tourism and handcraft consultant Jessie McComb to develop a strategy to market Pacific cultural industries to the European Union (EU) and other regions.
Lack of Resources to Monitor Dollar Appreciation
The Solomon Islands Ministry of Commerce has revealed that it does not have the resources to monitor the effects of the recent appreciation of Solomon Island dollar on the prices of goods.
Taiwan Releases Funds for Scholarships
The government of the Republic of China has released its first payment of 10 million dollars to support the 2011 Solomon Islands Government Training and Award.
Reshuffle in Permanent Secretary Position
The Solomon Islands government had been quietly replacing a number of Permanent Secretaries and ushering in their replacements.
Moti Extradition Referred to as "Abduction"
The Australian High Court has been told that the removal of former Solomon Islands attorney-general Julian Moti to Australia to face sex abuse charges was effectively an abduction.
SPREP to Provide Support to the Pacific for Rio+20
The Pacific meeting to prepare for the Earth Summit 2012, also known as Rio+20, provided the opportunity to reflect on the what was achieved since the first World Summit on Sustainable Development in Rio de Janeiro, 1992.
Whetney Heads to Turkey
Our very own Kurukuru star, Jack Whetney will leave Solomon Islands for Turkey in an attempt to pick up a professional contract to play the 11-a-side version of the game.
Amazing Migration of the Leatherback
Giant leatherback sea turtles swim from nesting sites in the Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea all the way across the Pacific Ocean to the coast of California in search of food.
South-South Exchange at Pacific Disaster Meeting
Solomon Islands is one of the countries in the Pacific attending the Pacific Platform for Disaster Risk Management meeting this week in Auckland.
Tackling Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Against Women
MANILA, 1 August 2011-Intimate partner and sexual violence against women is a major public health problem.
WHO Vows to Knock Down Hepatitis B
MANILA, 27 July 2011-The World Health Organization (WHO) today pledged to focus on nine countries in the Western Pacific Region facing significant challenges in meeting a 2012 target to reduce hepatitis B infection rates among children.
National Consultations on PACER Plus Extends to Provinces
National consultations on a possible trade agreement between Solomon Islands and Australia and New Zealand, commonly referred to as "PACER-Plus," has been extended to the Provinces.
Keke on Trial for Murder
Former leader of the Guadalcanal Revolutionary Army (GRA) Harold Keke is on trial for murder.
Street Celebration to Mark Unveiling of Monument
A street celebration will be held in the capital this Sunday to commemorate the unveiling of the "Pride of Our Nation Monument" honoring Solomon Islanders who have worked as scouts and Coast watchers during the Second World War.
Adapting to Climate Change in Vanuatu
In Vanuatu, directors of government departments in the land-based resource sectors (agriculture, forestry, environment, water resources, meteorology and livestock & quarantine) are busy finalising the country's first National Climate Change Adaptation Strategy (NCCAS) with input from stakeholders.
Development Budget Seen as Under Spent
As revealed by the Ministry of Finance, the Solomon Islands development budget has shown significant under spending as of June 2011.
Australian Court to Hear Moti Case
The High Court of Australia will hear this week an appeal by the former Solomon Islands attorney-general Julian Moti.
Malaita to Have First Economic Centre
East Malaita landowners have become the first group in Solomon Islands to offer their land to the Government to develop Economic Growth Centres.
