New schools established

THE Ministry of Education and Human Resources has created another 34 schools to accommodate an estimated 630 students this year. This includes 18 schools to accommodate Form 1, 10 schools for Form 4 and six schools for Form 6. Director of Teaching and Learning Department, Linda Wate said this will create more spaces to accommodate…

Gov’t approves more scholarships

THE Government approved additional pre-service and in-service scholarships that will cater for more than 300 students who missed out in the initial awards due to lack of funding. The decision will ensure more Solomon Islanders undertake tertiary studies at the Solomon Islands National University and Pacific regional institutions. Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare made the announcement…

New report: need to address inequality

A NEW report published by the Equal Rights Trust exposes the extent of discrimination and inequality experienced by groups including women; persons with disabilities; lesbian, gay and bisexual persons; and persons living with HIV in Solomon Islands. Stand Up and Fight: Addressing Discrimination and Inequality in Solomon Islands also concludes that a tendency for people…

Big drop out

Only few students make it to form 7 due to lack of space ONLY 663 students of the 2,875 who sat for the Solomon Islands National Form Six Certificate exams last year are able to make it to form 7 this year. The other 2,212 students dropped out due to lack of space. Director of…

Stop the feel good politics

Dr Sikua says he is duty bound to speak out THE Leader of Independent Group, Dr Derek Sikua said he was astounded at the Prime Minister’s attacking response in The Solomon Star, Monday. Manasseh Sogavare described Dr Sikua as ‘irresponsible and power hungry’ in a response to Dr Sikua’s press statement late last week on…

East Honiara, a role model

EAST Honiara Outskirts Settlement Community Policing Law Association (EHOSCPLA) has set an example for other chief’s bodies existing in other community settlements in Honiara city. Assistance commissioner for Honiara community policing association, Gabriel Manelusi said the success of the Gilbert Camp community policing association is a shining example, other communities should adopt. “I want to…

War of words heats up again

PM says Dr Sikua irresponsible and power hungry Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare says that no amount of press conferences held by the Independent Leader Dr Derek Sikua, will change the government’s position to rehabilitate the former combatants. Dr Sikua told local reporters last Thursday that the decision to make cash payments to some former MEF…

SI eyes Canada’s labour mobility opportunities

FOREIGN Affairs Minister Milner Tozaka has confirmed Solomon Islands Government’s interest to engage in Labour Mobility opportunities with Canada. And to further strengthen relationship between Government and people of both countries, the Mr Tozaka said that plans are underway for the Solomon Islands Prime Minister, Manasseh Sogavare to make a historical visit to Canada and…

Joint help to Vanuatu elections

AUSTRALIA and Solomon Islands are providing naval assistance to Vanuatu for its national election this week. On the 12th of January, the Royal Solomon Islands Police Vessel LATA and crew departed Honiara for Port Vila. The vessel will replace Vanuatu’s Pacific Patrol Boat, TUKORO, which was damaged during Tropical Cyclone Pam.  Australia has funded the…