Urgent call to strengthen gov’t grants after ESP audit reveals major fraud risks 

The Auditor General on Tuesday calls for the urgent strengthening of the legal and regulatory regime for the administration of government grants. David Dennis made the call after an audit into the COVID-19 Economic Stimulus Package (ESP) revealed major fraud risk, poor to non-existent administrative controls and almost zero transparency in the disbursement of $309…

Wale urges police to probe ESP report

LEADER of Opposition Matthew Wale has called on the police to initiate immediate criminal investigations into the Economic Stimulus Package (ESP) report. In a statement on Tuesday, Hon Wale said investigations must proceed with technical support for police in financial expertise for the investigations. The Member of Parliament (MP) for Aoke Langalanga said the report…

Partner charged for beating wife 

A male person in his 30s was arrested and charged for beating his wife over a domestic row recently in Central Makira, Makira/Ulawa Province. Kirakira police made the arrest.  Provincial Police Commander (PPC) Makira/Ulawa Province Superintendent Peter Sitai said, “The incident occurred on a Sunday morning in which the suspect allegedly kicked the victim’s abdomen…

Gender in policing training held 

The Australian Federal Police (AFP) has concluded a four-day Gender in Policing training for the Pacific Islands Chiefs of Police Women’s Advisory Network (PICP WAN) in Honiara last week (3 October). The training, which marked an important step in advancing gender equality in policing in the region, was attended by WAN chairs from 16 of…

Suspicious death in West Honiara probed

The discovery of a male person in his 20s whose body was found at the seaside near Fangs company area at Tandai, in West Honiara on Sunday 6 October 2024 is under investigation. The suspicious death is now being investigated by National Criminal Investigation Department (NCID) of the Royal Solomon Island Police Force (RSIPF).  Provincial…

Honiara airport runway upgrades progresses

Upgrades to the Honiara International Airport runway and airfield ground lighting are progressing positively despite delays in receiving offshore materials.  The upgrades were made possible under the Second Solomon Islands Roads and Aviation Project (SIRAP2). It was supported by the World Bank and implemented by the Ministry of Communication and Aviation (MCA). These improvements are targeted…

KGVI refurbished lecture theatre unveiled 

STATE owned King George Six (KGVI) National Secondary School on Monday, 7th October officially commissioned its refurbished lecture theatre that will cater for an improved access to a conducive learning environment.  The ceremony was witnessed by the school staff and students. Officiating at the handover ceremony were; Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education and Human…