RNZI: The Governor of Papua New Guinea’s national capital has called for the government to review its policy on West Papua. The newspaper The National reported that Powes Parkop wants PNG to push for a legitimate independence referendum for West Papuans He said this was needed because 1969’s so-called Act of Free Choice referendum, through…
SOLOMON Islands weightlifting female duo has done it again, winning gold medals for the country in the Pacific’s top weightlifting competition, the Pacific Cup. Jenly Wini Tegu and Mary Kini Lifu both won gold medals in their respective weight categories in New Caledonia on Saturday. Ms Lifu won gold in 55kg class, with a 70kn…
Canada grants more work visas for locals The Canadian Government has granted 11 new work visas for Solomon Islanders alone in the month of December – the highest ever under Canada-Solomon Islands labour mobility partnership. These visas have been issued for Dairy Industry, Food Service, Packaging and Nursery jobs. Permits are valid for 24-months. Solomon…
TRANSPARENCY Solomon Islands is deeply concerned that the Traditional Governance and Customs Facilitation Bill 2018 is currently in its second reading before the Parliament. When the Traditional Governance and Customs Facilitation Bill wasfirst introduced a few months ago, there was ahuge outcry from the public opposing this Bill and the shallow policy or no policy…
UNITED States (US) Deputy Secretary Defence Randall Shriver says US is not in a position to tell Solomon Islands to avoid China as a close partner. Mr Shriver made the statement when asked by local media during his recent visit to Solomon Islands. When asked if a discussion is made with the government of Solomon…
Manetoali charged on the eve of 10th parliament’s dissolution By ASSUMPTA BUCHANAN GAO Bugotu MP Samuel Manetoali’s bid for a fourth term in parliament suffered a huge blow last Friday after police arrested and charged him with one count of conversion. Manetoali, who has served his constituency for the last three consecutive terms, and…
THE tenth Parliament has dissolved as of 12am midnight early this morning following its final sitting last night. This means most of the Members of Parliament (MP) are now ordinary members of the public while those in the Government are in the caretaker position for next few months till the next government comes into power…
GOVERNMENT last night announced an increase in the country’s legal minimum wage from $4 per hour to $8 per hour that will come into effect as of next year. Outgoing and caretaker Minister of Commerce, Industry, Labour and Immigration William Marau announced this on the floor of Parliament last night while contributing to the Sine…
TWO permanent secretaries (PS) were sworn-in on Thursday at the Government House by Governor General Sir Frank Kabui. The two permanent secretaries are Nego Sisiolo who was reappointed as the PS for the Ministry of Public Service and McKinnie Dentana as the new PS for the Ministry of Finance and Treasury. He replaces Harry Kuma…
LIFE of the Honiara City Council’s (HCC) current political administration will come to its end Monday next week. That’s according to the council’s legal adviser Vincent Kohata. Mr Kohata said the decision to dissolve the political administration headed by mayor Andrew Mua on 17 December was based on advice they received from the Attorney General’s…