Fire arm owner told to surrender weapon

POLICE Commissioner Matthew Varley calls on the owner of the fire arm discharged during the arson incident at Kukwisi village, West Kwara’ae in Malaita on 23 February, to surrender it to police.  “I understand a reconciliation ceremony between both parties involved in the arson incident happened in Thursday,” Varley said. “The police welcome this initiative…

Australia’s support for NGE begins

Australian High Commissioner Rod Brazier has announced Australia’s package of assistance to Solomon Islands for the upcoming National General Election on 3 April. “As a close friend to Solomon Islands, Australia is pleased to provide assistance that will support the delivery of a free and fair election in 2019,” said High Commissioner Brazier. At the…

‘Review those laws’

Loopholes in Acts need tightening, says Hou By ANDREW FANASIA The oil spill disaster at Rennell Island should prompt future governments to rectify loopholes in many of our current legislations. Caretaker Prime Minister Rick Hou admitted that this is a big lesson for his government and the future government. “This incident has demonstrated to us…

Regina’s path in film making and Activism

On International Women’s Day 2019, we are sharing stories of women doing inspiring work across the Pacific. Whether in the business world, advocacy, media or countless other sectors, their contributions highlight the transformative power of women in the region. REGINA LEPPING is a Filmmaker, Actor, Activist and Youth Empowerment and Engagement Specialist working for the…

Varley confirms test result

DRUGS ARE COCAINE By ASSUMPTA BUCHANAN TESTS carried out in Australia on a large consignment of drugs seized from a yacht in Honiara late last year are confirmed to be cocaine. Police Commissioner Matthew Varley confirmed this to reporters, Thursday. “I can confirm for you that the testing process in Australia has been completed,” Varley said.…

Bintan: Salvage work underway in Rennell

THE operation to salvage the grounded MV Solomon Trader to safety is being boosted with the arrival of three more international specialists from the United Kingdom and United States over the weekend. That’s according to bauxite miners Bintan Mining. The company said the specialists were immediately flown over to Rennell Island to join other salvage…

TSI: be fair on scholarships

TRANSPARENCY Solomon Islands (TSI) has called for greater transparency in the National Training Committee (NTC) and National Training Unit (NTU) when awarding scholarships. It added scholarship awards must be based on merit, not preference. “Recent termination of 179 students studying in USP at Laucala Campus in Fiji is a clear manifestation of awarding scholarship to…

NZ to support election

New Zealand (NZ) is preparing to assist Solomon Islands during the National General Election (NGE) on April 3. New Zealand High Commissioner to Solomon Islands His Excellency Don Higgins told Caretaker Prime Minister Rick Hou at a courtesy call in Honiara yesterday, the assistance will include providing helicopter services during the election and sending over…