SINU bill passed

PARLIAMENT passed the Solomon Islands National University (Amendment) Bill 2014 on Wednesday. The Bill was to amend provisions of the Solomon Islands National University Act 2012 relating to the Council of the University. The primary object of this Bill is to facilitate more regular meetings of the council of the Solomon Islands National University. The…

Measles cases on the rise

MEASLES cases have risen over 200 in Honiara and Guadalcanal, health authorities say Thursday. “Parents need to act quickly and vaccinate their children aged six months to four years and 11 months against this potentially deadly disease,” the Ministry of Health, World Health Organisation, and UNICEF have warned. “Unvaccinated young children are the most at…

PM cleared of misconduct allegation

THE Leadership Code Commission (LCC) has cleared Prime Minister Gordon Darcy Lilo of an allegation of misconduct in office. Chairman of the commission Emmanuel Kouhota announced this on Thursday. Forum Solomon Islands International (FSII) lodged the allegation to the commission last year. This was in relation to allegation Mr Lilo was involved in extra-marital affair…

Top gov’t officials fail to attend workshop

THE absence of high profile government officers at the Family Violence and Youth Justice workshop indicates they do not prioritise family violence issues. High Court judge, Justice James Apaniai, who chaired Thursday’s discussions on looking at the way forward to help victims of violence, said high profile government officers were expected to attend the workshop.…

Bech-de-mer ban may be lifted sooner

WELL-PLACED government sources say the ban on beche-de-mer harvesting and export and may be lifted sooner than anticipated. One source told the Solomon Star Prime Minister Gordon Darcy Lilo had stepped in to ensure the ban is lifted as soon as possible. The source also revealed that Prime Minister Lilo has directed the Attorney General…

Langalanga festival

Dear Editor – A Friend of mine who attended the shell money festival in the Langalanga Lagoon over the weekend commented that while it was interesting it was not well organised. If it had not been for a private party chartering a boat there would have been no real tourists there apart from the official…

Children say ‘No’ to mining

Rennell islanders united against miners CHILDREN on Renbel have joined their elders to oppose any mining activities planned for the province. Landowners’ spokesman George Tauika, who is also secretary of the Lake Tegano World Heritage Site Association, said no forms of mining will be accepted on their land. Children, youths, and elders of the province…

DPP hits out at judge over comments

DIRECTOR of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Ronald Bei Talasasa says he was dismayed by comments Justice Stephen Pallaras raised about his regular overseas travels. “The comments by the judge were not only erroneous, but unfounded, provocative and threatening,” Mr Talasasa said in a statement from Fiji, where he’s attending a conference. “I will not comment any…