Mining Rennell island

Dear Editor – I understand that the High Court of Solomon Islands has recently handed down its decision in a case involving a group of landowners who had challenged the legality of their land being acquired for mining purposes. In fact it was not a decision but rather the High Court judge in the said…

Why in the media, Jude?

Dear Editor – Allow me space in your column to kindly respond to article published by Jude Kaefia on the above subject in your paper published on 2nd December, 2016. While I respect Jude’s freedom of expression and scrutiny role on the elected Member for Ward 18, it is dispiriting indeed to see Jude thrillingly…

SI Built Environment Association

Dear Editor – I had the misfortune to sit through a “sermon” by the expatriate “expert” from the above organisation. The first thing I noticed was that the “consultant” had never built anything himself but “been a consultant to” all the mentioned projects. His “best sea wall” was the opposite and actually encouraged wave power…

Help needed

Dear Editor – I am looking for two girls that I went to boarding school with at St Catherines School, Waverley, Australia, in the 1960’s. They are Suhote Sikihi and Rosie Piko. One of my girlfriends who was at school at that time and I are coming to Honiara from 03 – 07 February 2017…

Where are the anti-corruption laws?

AT this time last year, Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare announced to the nation the DCC Government’s plan to tackle corruption. This was during the 2015 International Anti-Corruption Day event in Honiara. Mr Sogavare was the guest of honour at that event. The DCC Government, Mr Sogavare stated, has an ambitious agenda in the fight against…

Accused to represent himself

A MAN facing a number of criminal charges in relation to the alleged abduction of a Chinese man in 2013 has decided to represent himself in court on Wednesday. Eddie Funubana has been left without a lawyer on the last court appearance. Public Solicitor’s lawyer Clifton Ruele withdrawn his legal representation on reason that Funubana…

‘Come Join the Anti-Corruption Walk’

Corruption impacts negatively on our future, our children’s future, our resources, our democracy and the development of Solomon Islands, its people and natural resources and urges everyone to unite and to take a stand against it. This is the message for the 2016 International Anti-Corruption Day (IACD). This year the theme for the International Anti-Corruption…

FSII to protest over Govt on corruption

Forum Solomon Islands International (FSII) members will mark the International Anti-corruption Day this Friday with a peaceful protest over government failures to fight against corruption. President of FSII’s Benjamin Afuga said, normally on such occasion it is good time for the government, civil societies including lobby groups to raise issues and awareness about corruption. He…

Hou: 2017 budget disappointing

CHAIRMAN of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) Rick Hou says after examining the 2017 budget, he is disappointed that the good intentions may not be achieved through this budget. Speaking on Tuesday in parliament on the budget, Mr Hou said unlike the previous two budgets, the 2017 one is somewhat unclear as to the policy…