Auki teachers told to be honest

Teachers who will be posted to Auki Community High School in Malaita this year are urged to perform their duties faithfully and honestly. A parent of the school, who asked not to be named, said the rate of teacher absenteeism at the school last year was worrying. “This had affected the academic performance of the…

Call to review road contracts

Authorities are urged to review the labour-based road maintenance being done along some of Malaita’s roads. North Malaita man John Andrew Kiri said it does not make sense when these contractors are cleaning up along sides of the road while the roads themselves are in their worst of state. “I would like to think that…

New home for artists on the way

The National Art Gallery is currently working on a semi-permanent building project to be used by those selling their art works on the streets of Honiara. This was confirmed by the National Art Gallery curator Brian Afia and Solomon Islands Artist Association president Bani Roni. Afia said the project is still in its ground work…

Ghiro action sparks outrage

East Makira MP Alfred Ghiro has advised his constituents that he will only meet school fees of children whose parents supported him in the last election. And he had reportedly posted a notice on the door of his West Kola’a Ridge home in Honiara with the words “Supporters Only” to remind those who did not…

SIEITI commits to do its role

The Solomon Islands Extractive Industry Transparency Initiative (SIEITI) is dedicating itself to ensure the government, companies, landowners and other relevant stakeholders are well informed about resource benefits from the mining industry. This was revealed by SIEITI director and Under Secretary – Economics for the Ministry of Finance and Treasury, Mckinnie Dentana and their communications officer…

Gov’t told to focus on job creation

A local prominent businessman says the national government should put its focus on creating job opportunities. The businessman, who asked not to be named, said the increasing incidences of lawlessness were a product of the high unemployment rate in the country. His call came after the Democratic Coalition for Change released its policy statement last…

Why is Whiteside still here?

A police officer has questioned why Russell Islands Plantation Estates Limited (RIPEL) general manager John Whiteside is still here despite not having a work or residential permit. The officer, who asked not to be named, said this is quite surprising because no foreigner who has no work or residential permit should be allowed to live…

Dettke meets SFA members

The Minister of Forestry and Research Bodo Dettke and top officials from the ministry held a successful meeting with members of the Solomon Forest Association (SFA) on Wednesday 28 January. The meeting was held after SFA earlier met with Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare. Dettke was encouraged by the prompt response by SFA to meet with…