Australian photo competition promotes local products

The Australian Government initiative, Strongim Bisnis, awarded 10 photographers prizes for showcasing Solomon Islands products under a “Buy Local” photograph competition.  The competition was part of a broader effort to encourage Solomon Islanders to buy local products instead of imported substitutes, a statement from Strongim Bisnis said. The competition was conducted in collaboration with local…

Our health cannot be compromised

IN January this year, the government has “established a high level, multi-sector Corona Virus Oversight Committee, chaired by the Secretary to Cabinet to assess and to coordinate the response to the Corona Virus threat to the country according to the National Address presented by the Hon Prime Minister. In the same speech, the Prime Minister…

Wickham: West must be alert

THE Provincial Disaster Committee Chairman (PDC) and Western Provincial (WP) Provincial Secretary Jeffery Wickham says people of WP must be alert during the current state of emergency (SOE). Wickham in a statement encourages the people of Western Province to also be steadfast and firm as his committee and advisory committees to roll out a number…

Mua outlines virus operational plan

MINISTER for Health and Medical Services (MHMS) Dickson Mua says any work to prevent the potential entry of the COVID-19 into the country must be done now, not later.  Mua said following the activation of the National Disaster Operational Committee (NDOC) Health Committee which supported by the Solomon Islands  office of the World Health Organisation…

West to impose weekend liquor ban

SALES of liquor in the Western Province will be prohibited during weekends beginning this Friday, 17th of April, 2020. This was revealed by the Provincial Disaster Committee as part of the province’s efforts to prevent and possibly stop the spread of COVID-19. In a statement, the committee said that the prohibition will be for an…

COURT DRAMA

Mass release of suspects due to lack of charges BY ASSUMPTA BUCHANAN Fifty-eight (58) people arrested and charged for allegedly breaching the curfew on Friday and Saturday have been released yesterday. Chief Magistrate Emma Garo made the public announcement in the court premise after no charges were filed by the police or prosecution by 2pm,…

FIVE REMANDED

Others released on bail following curfew arrests By ASSUMPTA BUCHANAN Five individuals arrested and charged for allegedly breaching the curfew on Friday night has been remanded in custody over the weekend. They are part of the 63 people arrested over the two nights of curfew enforced under the state of public emergency within the city’s…

Kuma warns of economy downturn 

FINANCE Minister Harry Kuma says the ongoing threats by the COVID-19 would have possible effects on the country’s economy in the coming months. Kuma said according to the International Monitory Fund (IMF) regional assessment, logging, being one of the major exports for revenue has slowed down from February to April and is likely to reduce…