Big reggae concert here

HONIARA will stage the country’s biggest reggae concert next weekend. The Pacific Islands reggae sensations Naio from Vanuatu and Solomon Islands very own Native Stoneage will perform at Art Gallery showground on Saturday September 30 and Sunday October 1. Organiser of the concert Allan Siau told the Solomon Star that this two-day concert marks a…

Warrant of arrest withdrawn for Tome

A WARRANT of arrest (WOA) issued for the arrest of the Minister of Provincial Governments and Institutional Strengthening David Tome has been withdrawn on Monday. This was after Michael Pitakaka of Michael Pitakaka Law Chamber who represents Tome applied to have the warrant of arrest withdrawn. Principal Magistrate John Numapo issued the warrant of arrest…

DETAINED PARTNERS UNHAPPY

THE two businessmen who were brought over to Honiara from Ontong Java atolls last week were left disappointed after no charges were laid against them. Ontong Java medical practitioner and entrepreneur Dr Reginald Aipia and his business partner from Pacific Aquaculture Cooperatives International Inc Erik Hagberg were shipped over to Honiara last week for questioning…

Gender equality in RSIPF

Police have highlighted a Rights Based approach in advancing gender equality and women’s empowerment during the launching of the Essential Services package last Thursday at the Mendana Hotel. Deputy Commissioner Gwen Ratu stated that there are two distinct priorities in RSIPF for the development of women. She said that under the Crime Prevention Strategy, they…

PM accepts CSO petition

PRIME Minister Manasseh Sogavare has accepted a letter from the Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) in the country informing him of a planned protest march to deliver their petition for him to re-introduce the Anti-Corruption Bill when Parliament resumes next month. A member of the CSO Anti-Corruption Committee Lawrence Makili told the Sunday Star that the…

In Court With Assumpta Buchanan

Sin refused bail A MAGISTRATE last Friday refused the bail application for the Malaysian facing a human trafficking charge. Principal Magistrate Ricky Iomea ruled that there is probable risk of the accused Wong Thien Sin interfering with prosecution witnesses and investigation. “I am satisfied on the balance of probabilities that the risk of interference in…

Why we arrested Aipia

DIRECTOR of Fisheries Edward Honiwala says the arrest of Dr Reginald Aipia and his American friend was done over alleged breaches of fisheries laws. Aipia and his friend were brought over from Ontong Java into Honiara last week on Wednesday night. Mr Honiwala said Aipia did not have any proper permits with the Ministry of…

Businesses support 2017 Pageant

THE Miss Solomon Islands Pageant (MSIP) 2017 continues to get support from business houses in Honiara. Pageant Director Joyce Konofilia said Honiara Hotel has agreed to become a Silver sponsor and have also identified their contestant. “More details on the contestant will be made available this week,” Ms Konofilia said. Meanwhile, she said Ela Motors’…

GARO MAKES HISTORY

First female chief magistrate appointed By ASSUMPTA BUCHANAN THE GOVERNMENT has appointed a first female chief magistrate for the country. She is Emma Garo, who was sworn in before Chief Justice Sir Albert Palmer at the High Court last Friday. Ms Garo replaces former Chief Magistrate John Numapo whose contract ends this month. Mr Numapo…