OPPOSITION WALKS OUT, BILL PASS

THE controversial Political Parties Integrity Bill was finally passed, but with some tension in the chamber. Members of the opposition group walked out during the committee stage proceeding. Deputy Opposition Leader Mathew Wale has been very critical on all the clauses during the initial stage of the committee of the whole house. But many of…

Rennell landowners embrace miners

RENNELL island is a step closer to hosting its first ever mining project after four tribal landowning groups signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with an Indonesian mining company Bintang Borneo last week. The historic ceremony took place at Tingoa between landowners from East and West Rennell with the mining firm. A nine-member delegation from…

PNG High Commission farewells first secretary

PAPUA New Guinea (PNG) high commission in Honiara on Monday farewelled its first secretary Joyce Bundu. Mrs Bundu came to Solomon Islands in 2010 serving as acting high commissioner for a couple of months as the PNG Government seeks a replacement following the controversial departure of Parai Tamei. Speaking during her farewell dinner, PNG high…

Seized tobacco still held by Customs

NO decision has yet been made on how 1,145 boxes of illegally imported tobacco products seized in September 2012 are to be disposed. The products are being kept at the Customs Queen warehouse at Point Cruz. Earlier this year, top government officials reportedly attempted to remove the products out from the warehouse but Customs prevented…

Residents complain about noise

RESIDENTS of Rove police quarters say life has not been the same again after a nearby sea front facility was turned into an entertainment area. “Noise coming from the sea front area has been a major source of disturbance to those of us living here,” one resident told the Solomon Star. “Sometimes when they have…

Rise in mentally ill patients causes fear

THE increasing numbers of suspected mentally ill patients roaming around and causing trouble in villages and communities in East Kwara’ae has caused fear and raises a deep concern. This came about following a series of incidents claimed to have been caused by those believed to be mentally or psychiatrically ill. There have been associated incidents…

Tools to boost agriculture studies

GOVERNMENT through the Ministry of Education and Human Resource Development is currently distributing agriculture equipment and tools to schools nationwide. A statement from the government communication unit said this project worth around SB$12.2 million is being funded by the Australian and New Zealand governments under their budget support. It involves distributing pre-packed agriculture equipment and…

EOD team commences underwater training

THE 20 Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) members of the Explosive Ordnance Team (EOD) commenced their underwater capability diving at Tulagi, Monday. The diving exercise followed after the officers completed five days of in-class training at the Hell’s Point Camp, East of Honiara. Speaking to Solomon Star over the weekend Sergeant Rex Waiwori staff…

Clean water improves life on Guale Plains

LIFE has been a challenge for young mother of four, Helena Tanona, since flash flooding swept through her community in Guadalcanal Plains on 3 April 2014.  Following days of heavy rain, river banks were strained and eventually broke, inundating Dadave community. The rushing water took almost all of her family’s possessions away, destroyed their food…