Beche-de-mer open period closes Jan 31

ALL activities relating to fishing or harvesting of sea cucumber (beche-de-mer) will cease as of midnight of January 31st 2018, says the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources. In a statement issued on Tuesday, the ministry said the five months ‘Open Harvest Period’ will end at midnight on Wednesday and no further extension will be…

Govt’s main policy targets

PRIME Minister Rick Houenipwela had re-emphasised the policy objectives his government wants to achieve in the next eight months. Speaking to members of the local media on Monday at Heritage Park Hotel, Houenipwela said the government aims to stabilize the political situation, stabilize the financial situation, pass the 2018 budget and implement major projects. Houenipwela…

Police probe Malaita arson

POLICE in Auki, Malaita Province, are investigating the burning of six dwelling houses at a settlement near Fote Village, West Kwara’ae, on 26 January 2018. The burning of the dwelling houses happened after an argument over land where a logging company is operating. Supervising Provincial Police Commander, Malaita Province, Superintendent Timothy Apaesi says: “There are…

E-passports processing to resume

The production of new E-Passports will resume this week after it was put on hold for a few weeks. In a statement, the Ministry of Commerce, Industries, Labour & Immigration confirmed the arrival of the new E-Passport books. This came after the e-passports had run out in the  Immigration Department. “New e-passport books have arrived.…

COST CUTTING REFORM

PRIME Minister Rick Houenipwela had introduced a number of administrative cost cutting reform measures within his political office starting in December. The reform targets the PM’s Political Office which includes: o   Policy Implementation, Monitoring & Evaluation Unit (PIMEU) o   PM’s Private Office o   Caucus o   Cabinet Sub-Committees Speaking at his first press conference with the…

Police appeal for motorists’ patience

DIRECTOR of the Kukum Police Traffic Unit Chief Sergeant Brian Surimalefo has called on all motorists to be patient during this bad weather season. Sergeant Surimalefo said as the country continues to experience bad weather, drivers need to be patient and take precautionary measures. “The country is experiencing a low pressure system moving from the…