Solrice import Vietnam rice

Dear Editor – Very interesting indeed and what a hypocritical turn after much ado about “poor quality Vietnamese rice” and after much effort in putting a stop to SIPA’s efforts to sell lower, affordable  priced rice to Solomon Islanders, Nick Ellis has the guts to promote “good quality Vietnamese rice” for sale to Solomon Islanders.…

Airport facelift

Big plans for Gwaunaru’u SOLOMON Airlines says plans are in place to tar-seal and build a lighting system for Gwaunaru’u Airport in Malaita. Chief Executive Officer Ron Sumsum announced this on Wednesday at the commissioning of the airport, following its reopening, Monday. Gwaunaru’u, the third busiest domestic airport in the country, was closed down more…

Use of breathalyser commences today

Legislation for the alcohol testing of drivers or operators of vehicles has been gazetted and is now in force.  The Police and Transport Legislation (Amendment) (Alcohol Testing) Act 2016 commenced operation on 1st June 2016. The Act provides police with the power to require the driver or person in charge of a vehicle to submit…

Accused told to find a lawyer

A man facing a traffic offence that resulted in the death of another person at Aruligo, Northwest Guadalcanal last year has been given time to find a lawyer to represent him. This was after Clifton Ruele of the Public Solicitor’s office, who was allocated the matter, informed the court he cannot represent Lionel Rifasia. This…

5 years in jail for sexually abusing child

The man who pleaded guilty to sexually abusing his eight year-old niece between 2013 and 2014 has been sentenced to serve five years behind bars. Justice Francis Mwanesalua imposed a one year imprisonment for each of the five counts of indecent assault charge. Those sentences were ordered to run consecutively, meaning all the sentences were…

ACP calls to fight corruption

LOCAL police officers have been challenged to take a strong stand in fighting corruption within the force and their workplace. This was highlighted by the Assistant Police Commissioner National Capital and Crime Prevention, Mostyn Mangau. He said corruption has no room in the police force so as any other work places and offices within the…

Audit call

Gov’t urged to close in on ‘ghost companies’ OPPOSITION Leader, Jeremiah Manele has urged the Government to carry out an audit in each of the government ministries. This is following claims that local ‘ghost companies’ have reportedly embezzled millions of dollars from Government funds over the years. Mr Manele said the government must begin a…

Arm robbery case further adjourned

The five men accused of the armed robbery outside the Bank of South Pacific (BSP) at Point Cruz earlier this year were not yet served with the amended charges laid against them. The matter was adjourned from the last occasion so that the amended charges could be served to the accused persons so that they…