Minister urged to revoke licence

THE Office of the Parliamentary Opposition is calling on the Minister of Fisheries and Marine Resources John Maneniaru to revoke the export license granted to Ontong Java Development Company (OJDC) to export beche-de-mer. The Opposition office urged the Fisheries Minister not to bow down to outside influence to overshadow his status as person with integrity.…

PM stands by decision

PRIME Minister Manasseh Sogavare yesterday confirmed instructing the issuance of a beche-de-mer export licence to Dr Reginald Aipia of the Ontong Java Development Company Limited. And he said his decision is based on a recent Caucus Consensus that the Democratic Coalition for Change Government should prioritise assisting indigenous Solomon Islanders in their business endeavours. Mr…

PM makes independent decision, says Oso

PRIME Minister Manasseh Sogavare did not seek any legal opinion from any lawyer before directing Fisheries officials to issue export permit to Ontong Java Development Company (OJDC). His press secretary, Deli Oso defended her boss after the Solomon Star reported yesterday, that Mr Sogavare sought advice from private lawyer Wilson Rano of Rano and Company…

The TRC Report and Reconciliation

DEAR EDITOR – The Democratic Coalition for Change (DCC) Government, through its spokesman the Prime Minister, Manasseh Sogavare, said in the last few days the Truth and Reconciliation Report will be tabled in parliament during the government’s four-year term. It is noted that substantial budgetary provisions will need to be made to address the issues…

Dengue fever warning

IT’S ‘dengue season’ in Solomon Islands and people should take action to minimize their risk of getting dengue fever. That’s the message from health authorities. Dengue fever is a severe, flu-like illness that is transmitted through the bite of the dengue mosquito. “Mosquitos lay their eggs in and around water,” said said World Health Organization…

Change of mind set needed

Dear Editor – Over the weekend, Tony Hughes, a board member of Solomon Island’s Transparency Watchdog and a former Manager of the Solomon’s Central Bank, reportedly told Radio New Zealand International that Solomon Island’s Prime Minister, Manasseh Sogavare, has a lot of work to do if he is to live up to his promise to…

PM overrides decision

… Orders fisheries officials to issue export permit PRIME Minister Manasseh Sogavare’s directive to issue an export permit to Ontong Java Development Company (OJDC) inorder to export beche-de-mer did not go down well with top fisheries officials, it was disclosed. Sogavare’s involvement in the latest move has raised question over his leadership credentials and the…

Church advocate health messages

LOCAL churches of the Solomon Islands Full Gospel Association (SIFGA) will be advocating awareness programs to fight against Non Communicable Disease (NCD) in the country. The awareness program will begin after a national church conference that will be held on the 25th to 26th this month. Guests from overseas and health officials will be participating…

Hill top murder trial continues

The trial of the man who stood trial for the murder of his former girlfriend at Tuvaruhu hill top in 2012 continues. This was after Chief Justice Sir Albert Palmer handed down his ruling yesterday on the application made by the defence for a closed court hearing. The defence counsel has made the application on…

Govt urged to reduce urban drift

Retired Anglican bishop Canadian Terry Brown has renewed his call to the national government needs to create job more opportunities in the rural areas and decentralise development in order to reduce urban drift. Bishop Terry, who served in the country for many years, including being a bishop of Malaita said, the government has an obligation…