Fund plans to diversify investment

BECAUSE of various pressing factors that will negatively affect returns to the Solomon Islands National Provident Fund (SINPF) members, plans to diversify investments are in the pipeline. Chairman of SINPF Baoro Laxton Koraua said although the fund currently have a high level of cash holding both in local and offshore banks, there’s still little return…

Green Tourism’s holiday package to be launched

The Green Tourism Solomon Island Ltd (GRTSI) will officially launch a holiday package to Florida Island next month. The holiday package will be unveiled on July 15 and will end on October 15 as trial in the local market. Green Tourism managing director Michael Tokuru revealed this during an operators meeting held at the Roderick…

MMF maintains resignation call

Malaiata Ma’asina Forum (MMF) has called on the chairman of the Solomon Islands National Provident Fund (SINPF) Baoro Laxton Koraua to resign. MMF president Charles Dausabea said the current NPF board chairman should be sacked on the grounds on what he claimed as poor leadership and mismanagement of members’ contributions. Mr Dausabea was referring to…

Women complete basic training

About 22 women and four men in Florida Island, Central province completed a weeklong basic cooking and floral art training last month. The training was conducted at Roderick Hideaway accommodation. Last Friday most of them received their certificates. Managing director of Green Tourism Solomon Island Ltd Michael Tokuru officially handed them thier certificate to them…

MSG opens door for Papua membership

The door is now open to West Papuans to join the Melanesian Spearhead Group, provided they have an inclusive and united group and are in consultation with the government of Indonesia. Following the adoption of a roadmap in relation to the application by the West Papua National Coalition for Liberation (WPNCL) for membership in June…

New vehicle no. plates effective today

The final phase of the new vehicle and driver licensing system administered by Inland Revenue will commence today with the launch of the new vehicle registration plates. The principal licensing officer, Aylton Jamieson, has confirmed that the new plates are ready to be issued from that date. A statement from the Inland Revenue said the…

SISA kicks off independence activities

The Solomon Islands students association (SISA) studying at the University of the South Pacific (USP) in Fiji will kick-off their week-long independence celebration with sporting activities starting today. Reports reaching this paper stated that there would be sporting activities, cultural night performance and feasting being planned for the day. A total of five sporting games…

The Coconut kindergarten

Every week, the parents of children at a small kindergarten in Fiukwai, Malaita, have to pay fees to keep their children in the school. But even though the children come from low-income families, their parents have no problem paying for their children’s education. This is because the ‘fees’ are paid in coconuts. And it just…

Melanesian culture at its best

Melanesia is said by many to be the last frontier, when it comes to culture. Ancient traditional dances, practices and “kustom” remain commonplace, and alive in this part of the world. It’s something that must not be taken for granted, according to Papua New Guinea Foreign Affairs Minister Rimbink Pato. As the fifth Melanesia Arts…

Visale parish receives gift

Visale parish in North West Guadalcanal have received more than 10 church Statues and Rosary from the parliament member Bodo Dettke. The statuses were gifts to mark the 110 anniversary since the Catholic Church arrived in Visale 1889. Visale parish priest Fr Peter Houhou said the Statuses will help Christian communities in and around Visale…