New US funding to be launched

THE Pacific American Fund (PAF) will launch a new funding window next month and deliver up to SBD$2.8 million worth of awards to local organisations. These monies are for investment into local organisations and communities. The US Department of State’s Charge d’Affairs for the Solomon Islands, Russell Comeau, highlighted this when speaking at the launching…

Shortlands trading gateway for Western, Choiseul provinces

SHORTLANDS will become an international trading gateway in an economic and customs union which will integrate Bougainville, Western and Choiseul provinces for trade and eventually labour mobility by 2032. This was highlighted by the Solomon Islands National University, Vice-chancellor, Dr Transform Aqorau, during the Western Province Second Appointed Day at the FOPA village in Honiara.…

Police involve in multiple operations

Officers of the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) are involved in multiple police operations during this festive season. One of the operation police have been involved in is the ‘Operation Parliament’ with the support from Solomons’ International Assistance Force (SIAF), which commences on 5 December 2022. Police Commissioner Mostyn Mangau says, “With the Operation Parliament, I…

In court with Assumpta

CDO jailed for corruption FORMER Constituency Development Officer (CDO) for Temotu-Nende, Philip Tuplo, has been jailed for corruption. Tuplo was convicted of one count of official corruption for conversion of more than $58,000 constituency fund in 2013. On November 25, the Magistrate Court sentenced him to one year and seven months behind bars. Magistrate Leonard…

Govt aims to improve work attendance

THE National Government through the Ministry of Public Service is now taking measures to monitor public servants work attendance. Minister of Public Service Makario Tagini revealed this in response to recommendations from the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) when contributing to the 2023 Appropriation Bill 2022 in Parliament today (Thursday 8th December). Mr Tagini said lateness…

COMPLACENCY IN GOVERNANCE

There seem to be no sense of direction in the government of Western Province since the dissolution of the provincial assembly in June 2022. This is because for over 5 months there has been no care-taker government in the Province until after the provincial elections of 14th December 2022. Only the Deputy Provincial Secretary has…