Latest News Archive April 2009

The Royal Solomon Islands Police Force will continue to conduct high visibility policing throughout the weekend as two Navy vessels from Taiwan make a friendly visit to the Solomon Islands.

National health clinics and centers are on a heightened state of alert as the reach of swine flu closes in on the Solomon Islands.

Developing the RAMSI partnership between national and provincial governments, and the people of Solomon Islands is a key priority for RAMSI, according to Special Coordinator Graeme Wilson.

Marist Solbrew Sevens organisers have confirmed that following the success of the recent Solbrew Easter Sevens it will now be an annual event.

Outgoing Australian High Commissioner Mr. Peter Hooton signed an agreement last week with UNFPA, United Nations Population Fund to contribute over US$1 million to the Solomon Islands Population and Housing Census 2009.

Chairman of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, Dean of the Saint Barnabas Cathedral in Honiara, Father Sam Ata, has said he joins other Solomon Islanders who have been calling on government to investigate the root causes of the ethnic tension.

Honiara Police Harbour Patrol rescued five people from their ray boat, after they had been stranded for 10 hours between Gela Islands and Honiara yesterday morning.

Prime Minister Dr Derek Sikua says the launch of the Solomon Islands Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) by His Grace Archbishop Desmond Tutu of South Africa is the beginning of a journey towards a peaceful and prosperous Solomon Islands.

Swine flu is increasingly becoming a concern for the region with confirmed cases in neighboring New Zealand and now suspected cases in Australia.

Prime Minister Derek Sikua has said today marks an important step in the history of Solomon Islands, especially in the efforts as a nation to deal with a difficult chapter in the country's history - the ethnic conflict.

The Minister for Finance and Treasury, Hon. Snyder Rini has today announced that the Government had agreed on a package of measures to help Solomon Islands manage the impacts of the Global Economic Crisis on the 2009 Budget and the Solomon Islands economy.

An independent filmmaker from Los Angeles in the US, who has been following the life of Archbishop Tutu for the last 15 years, Karen Hayes, says she believes Archbishop Tutu is bringing with him a lot of wisdom from experience.

Noble Peace Prize winner, South African Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu, has officially launched the Solomon Islands Truth and Reconciliation Commission.

MANILA, PHILIPPINES - The Asian Development Bank (ADB) will assist the Pacific region to improve economic management and in doing so will help the region weather the impacts of the global economic crisis.

The Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands (RAMSI) yesterday announced the sudden death from natural causes of the Commander of the Vanuatu Contingent in RAMSI's Participating Police Force (PPF), Amos Solip.

The Animal Committee of the Convention on the International Trade of Endangered Species, CITES has recommended that Solomon Islands reduce its annual quota of live bottlenose dolphin export to 10.

The Royal Solomon Islands Police Force is actively supporting the work of 10 local Crime Prevention Committees established to deliver educational talks and activities in settlements around Honiara, particularly those with concerns about youth and crime.

Nobel Peace Prize laureate Archbishop Desmond Tutu from South Africa will today arrive on a historic visit to the Solomon Islands.

The flu epidemic that is severely affecting Mexico and spreading to other parts of the world is highly likely to also reach the region, the World Health Organization (WHO) has cautioned.

In the ongoing issue regarding a news story of a drugs and guns culture in Samoa by Television New Zealand (TVNZ), the government of Samoa has announced that it will sue TVNZ.

The Ministry of Finance and Treasury today clarified recent media reports of an alleged abuse and misuse of SBD$10 million provided by the Republic of China for Cattle Development Project.

The Solomon Islands Government today welcomed international interests shown by a world renowned Hotelier, Radisson Hotels and Resorts to develop the Anuha Island Resort in the Central Province.

Press Statement - The question of energy, like no other, gives full exposure to the vulnerability of Pacific Island Countries.

Auckland City is only a game away from entering the much-coveted FIFA World Club Cup. Their huge 7-2 win over Solomon Islands champions Koloale FC in Honiara demonstrates the superiority and class of Auckland FC.

Solomon Islands Ambassador to the European Union, His Excellency Mr. Joseph Maáhanua, successfully co-chaired with his Czech Republic counterpart, the 59th Session of ACP-EU Committee of Ambassadors in Brussels, Belgium, on Friday.

The Solomon Islands Government announced another important step in its ongoing program for improvements in the Public Service.

Prime Minister Dr Derek Sikua has announced a five-member Truth and Reconciliation Commission to probe the root causes of the recent ethnic unrests between 1998 and 2003.

Press Release - Oil, chemicals and unexploded ordinance from an estimated 800 World War II Wrecks throughout the exclusive economic zones of Pacific Island countries and territories pose imminent danger to people, environment and fisheries of the region.

A joint patrol by Solomon Islands law enforcement agencies confiscated hundreds of cigarette cartons worth thousands of dollars from a Taiwanese fishing vessel entering Honiara Harbour.

Minister for Public Service and M-P for North Vella la Vella Milner Tozaka yesterday submitted to Home Affairs Minister James Tora a report on the spending of his constituency's SBD$1.3 million dollars of tsunami funds.

Police presence will be highly visible on the streets and at various gatherings in Honiara over the next few days.

Frustration is growing amongst the public with the missing SBD$10 million dollars earmarked for the revitalization of the cattle industry.

The outgoing Australian High Commissioner to the Solomon Islands, H.E Peter Hooton, says that Australia's relationship with the Solomon Islands is now stronger than ever.

Solomon Islands will host the Taiwan-Pacific Allies Summit on 20 October.

TVNZ reporter, Barbara Dreaver, whose report on Samoa's alleged drugs and guns culture has caused controversy in and out of the island nation, has denied allegations that her story was staged and that the individuals in the report were actors and misled about the story.

Chairman of the National Selection Committee of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) Chief Justice Sir Albert Palmer today handed over nominees to be formally appointed by the Prime minister.

The Solomon Islands College of Higher Education (SICHE) is under increasing pressure to act on demands placed on them by protesting students, one of which is an increase in allowance.

Police at Atori have arrested the fourth man believed to be part of a group that assaulted two Police officers at Borderline Police post early this year.

The Royal Solomon Islands Police Force is issuing a firm warning to individuals, stop throwing rocks or stones at vehicles or "you will face the full force of the law."

Hundreds of soccer fans from Makira Province and other provinces are flocking into Honiara to watch the showdown between Koloale and Auckland City on Saturday.

The British High Commission in Honiara is pleased to announce its continued funding of BBC World News to Solomon Islands for the next two years, costing SBD$200,000.

Eleven East Kwaio Chiefs from Malaita Province have arrived in Honiara for talks with the government on issues relating to the massacre in 1927.

20 April 2009 - An Amnesty International expert who has just completed a fact-finding mission to Fiji warns that the human rights situation in the country is getting worse by the day and the civilian population is living in fear as a result of draconian measures implemented by the military regime.

NUKU'ALOFA, TONGA - Asian Development Bank (ADB) President Haruhiko Kuroda and Mr. Sun Vithespongse, Executive Director of the World Bank for Tonga, today officially opened a World Bank-ADB joint field presence in Nuku'alofa, Tonga.

The former head of the Solomon Islands Development Trust is in support of an initiative to strengthen political stability, but questions proposed reforms.

A 10 member team of the Taiwan Medical Service Mission has arrived in Honiara.

Press Release - After several years of planning and preparation, a US $13.125 million climate change adaptation project is now underway in the Pacific region.

Archbishop Desmond Tutu from South Africa will be launching the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, TRC, on April 29, 2009.

Police arrested a man over the weekend at the Central Magistrate court bus stop in Honiara for carrying around an old World War II Japanese mortar.

Initial disaster assessment reports reaching the National Disaster Management Office (NDMO) says communities in South Malaita and in North Guadalcanal has suffered extensive damages during a recent bad weather.

Prime Minister, Dr Derek Sikua says the government and people of Solomon Islands share the deep concern and regret of the Pacific region over the events in Fiji.

The Solomon Islands Visitors Bureau officially launched their new Friday night at the Honiara Hotel.

Honiara City Police Liquor Licensing Squad arrested and charged a 40 year old man and his 20 year old wife for selling kwaso at the Central Markets over the weekend.

BEIJING, PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF CHINA - The Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union (ABU) have concluded a week-long workshop in Beijing to raise awareness through the media about the impacts of climate change on the region.

Minister for Environment, Conservation and Meteorology and MP for Gizo-Kolombangara Hon Gordon Darcy Lilo categorically denies receiving any money from the ROC-funded Cattle revitalization programme.

Minister for Foreign Affairs and External Trade, Hon William Haomae, addressed the ACP-EU Joint Parliamentary Assembly at Prague, Czech Republic last week in his capacity as President-In-Office of the Africa, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) Council of Ministers.

RAMSI Special Coordinator Graeme Wilson visited Buala last week to meet with the Premier of Isabel, his executive, church and community leaders, and traditional chiefs.

The Marist Solbrew Sevens tournament postponed due to bad weather is set to continue this Saturday with the first game set to kick off at 9 o'clock.

The Royal Solomon Islands Police Force conducted an operation at East Guadalcanal, which resulted in the arrest of three men and the seizure of weapons and about 100 marijuana plants.

The Solomon Islands Government (SIG) yesterday has announced an important step in its ongoing program to improve and replenish the public service.

The Solomon Islands Development Trust (SIDT) has signed a partnership agreement with the Pacific Leaders Program (PLP) after extensive exploration, development and work planning activities between PLP and SIDT.

Solomon Islands students studying in USPs' Laucala Campus in Suva, Fiji, have expressed concern that the current political crises might affect their studies.

Special Secretary to the Prime Minister, local lawyer John Keniapasia has responded to comments by Doctor Jon Fraenkel of the Australian National University's State, Society and Governance Program that the Solomon Islands government's proposed political party integrity bill may not achieve its stated goals.

The military in Fiji has tightened its grip on the country's media which started with newsrooms around the country being monitored and articles deemed critical of the president and military being pulled and this has escalated to the deportation of foreign journalists in the country.

There is no road access past Bokokibo River on northeast Guadalcanal.

The Solomon Islands Government yesterday deported 10 Fijian Nationals who breached the country's Immigration and Labour laws.

Prime Minister Dr Derek Sikua has asked for a 'please explain' to the Opposition Leader, Manasseh Sogavare, on how a ten million dollars funding from the Republic of China for cattle rehabilitation was used.

Police "Operation Easter" has recorded a low rate of criminal activities during the Easter celebration in Honiara.

A report by Television New Zealand of allegations of a criminal culture in Samoa has generated shocked responses from within and outside of Samoa. However, TVNZ is standing by its report.

The Pacific islands News Association, PINA has called on the newly established interim government of Fiji to leave the media alone to continue to perform its role of information dissemination to the people of Fiji and the region.

Honiara is set to come alive again, exactly 10 days from now when New Zealand champions Auckland City FC and Koloale clash at Lawson Tama.

The National Disaster Council (NDC) and the Police have deployed two patrol boats to South Malaita and Longgu on Guadalcanal to carry out assessments of damages caused by the recent bad weather.

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) welcomes the opening of the new Companies Registry Office.

Minister for Education and Human Resources Development Mathew Wale told Parliament that the Solomon Islands economy is feeling the pinch of the Global Economic Crises.

Fiji's president, Ratu Josefa Iloilo, has reappointed coup leader and military commander, Voreqe Bainimarama, as the country's Prime Minister after abrogating the country's constitution and imposing emergency rule last week.

Fiji's President and self-appointed Head of State has put in place the Public Emergency Regulations 2009, effectively putting the country under emergency rule.

Fiji's President, Ratu Josefa Iloilo, has abrogated the country's constitution and made himself Head of State following the ruling by the country's Court of Appeal that the current interim government is illegal.

Prime Minister, Dr Derek Sikua, is adamant that his proposed Political Party Integrity Bill will go a long way in addressing the instability in the executive arm of government, an unfortunate feature of Solomon Islands politics for some time.

Thousands of soccer fans in Solomon Islands are waiting nervously for the finals of the O-League. Koloale FC has found itself in a situation where they represent not only the hopes of its fan base but also that of a nation craving for a prestigious title.

Australia's Minister for Home Affairs, the Hon Bob Debus MP, has just finished a four-day visit to Solomon Islands. Mr Debus's ministerial responsibilities include justice and policing issues, as well as customs and border protection.

Representatives of RAMSI this week told a high level delegation representing the Australian Government and the Australian Federal Police that the regional partnership to restore peace and prosperity to Solomon Islands was making steady progress.

Provincial Commanders and Unit Directors met in Honiara over the last week under the auspices of the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) Operations as the host of a special Provincial Commander's conference.

Fiji is now without a government and awaiting the President's next course of action following yesterday's ruling by the Fiji Court of Appeal that the dismissal of Fiji's deposed Prime Minister, Laisenia Qarase, was unlawful.

Two new transport laws in the Solomon Islands, that are designed to improve services and safety, have been welcomed by the Asian Development Bank (ADB).

Solomon Islands, Papua New Guinea and the Federated States of Micronesia have signed a Memorandum of Understanding, MOU, for cooperation on the Extended Continental Shelf Claims Submission on the Ontong Java Plateau to the United Nations.

Our Telekom remains committed on its plan of expanding its Community IP-GSM based rural communication network roll out to the rural areas this year.

Two teams from Auki, Malaita will be arriving in Honiara today to play in the Marist Solbrew Sevens Tournament this weekend.

Claims of a growing drugs and gun culture in Samoa, along with claims that the country is a dumping ground for criminals has led the police in the country to start an urgent investigation.

The Royal Solomon Islands Police Force says it is better equipped and prepared to deal with potential unrest in Solomon Islands.

The Winds of Change Office are organizing a conference on peace and reconciliation, with the special guest being the World-renowned peace activist Archbishop Desmond Tutu.

The winning team of the Marist Solbrew Sevens Tournament will be walking away with a cash prize of $5000.

Gold Ridge Mining Limited (GRML) has confirmed that independent test results show that there was no work-related poisoning of employees due to an alleged leakage from a cyanide storage tank at its mine site at Gold Ridge on Guadalcanal.

Four Pacific Island PPF Advisors have contributed to significant outcomes in the safety and wellbeing of the people of Honiara.

Transparency Solomon Islands (TSI) has stated that it is very "disappointed that the Commission of Inquiry into the April Riots report has been edited prior to its release."

The launch of a new book on human rights law is expected to help the region in addressing issues regarding various human rights cases in the region.

The Parliamentary Foreign Relations Committee completed another successful hearing at Marau, East Guadalcanal on Saturday 4 April 2009 at Potau Community High School.

The nomination of Solomon Islanders as commissioners in the Truth and Reconciliation Commission will close at 4pm this Wednesday.

Seven countries around the region have joined together to form the Pacific Cruise group.

It is possible you will never meet in your lifetime a palangi [in Polynesia] or a dim dim in Papua New Guinea [a white man] who sings the same tune as the local people do when it comes to landownership.

Local brewery Solbrew has thrown its support behind the upcoming 7s Competition to be hosted by Marist Rugby Club over the Easter weekend.