Pacific unity at stake

The fall out in the Pacific Island Forum is now a subject of concern and heavily discussed by our leaders in the region. This happened after the members of the Micronesian Bloc decided to withdraw their members from PIF after their preferred candidate fail to secure the Secretary-General Seat. The controversial appointment of Henry Puna…

SICCI & EASI: fundamental reforms needed to create better business environment 

The Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SICCI), as the peak body representing the private sector, and the Economics Association of Solomon Islands (EASI) has highlighted to the Solomon Islands Government (SIG) a number of fundamental reforms priorities that would create a better business environment.  This was during a SICCI-SIG Consultation on Wednesday 10…

Good start for Ngaligaragara RTC

NGALIGARAGARA Rural Training Centre (RTC) in Central Kwara’ae electorate in Malaita Province has offered another two additional programs starting this year. The programs are mechanics and electrical. This means Ngaligaragara RTC now offers a total of seven programs, Bible studies, Home Economics, Agriculture, Carpentry and Plumbing, Mechanics, and Electrical. This is good news for Ngaligagara…

SCHOLARSHIP FRAUD CASE 

Alleged scholarship fraudster’s trial in March   A MAN accused of selling fake government scholarship offer letters and obtained $12,000 from four people last year will go through a trial in March this year. John Folia faces four counts of false pretence. He pleaded guilty to one count and pleaded not guilty to the other…

COVID-19 vaccine coming

In terms of our preparation for the COVID-19 vaccine, the Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) has already drafted a policy document on the vaccines and that will be submitted to the government Caucus and then to Cabinet this week. Permanent Secretary for Health and Medical Services Pauline McNeil said during the radio talkback…

MHMS on bed shortage 

THE Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) through the National Referral Hospital (NRH) management is working on a plan to sort out bed shortage at the country’s main hospital. This followed a report that the Emergency Department (ED) at the NRH sees 60 to 100 patients per day with only 20 beds available. As…

BIG PLANS FOR ‘CROWN LAND’

Major projects earmarked for government land in Gizo   A meeting of the Elders’ Council in Gizo has been told of plans for a number of major infrastructure projects being developed on government land in the Provincial capital. These include a Campus of the Solomon Islands National University (SINU), a new Western Provincial Assembly Chamber,…