FFA gears up for upcoming WCPFC

HONIARA,– The Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA) has concluded its 21st Management Options Consultation (MOC21) and the Special 140th Forum Fisheries Committee (FFC) Officials Meeting in Honiara, Solomon Islands – confirming a unified regional position ahead of the 22nd Regular Session of the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC) in December. The two…

FORMER HEALTH OFFICERS ACQUITTED OF $1.6M FRAUD CASE

FOUR former Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) officers have been acquitted of defrauding the government of $1,594,935.12 in payments to a shipping company that did not provide services.  The ruling was delivered by Principal Magistrate Ishmael Kekou on 23 October 2025. The accused, former Finance Controller Stephen Dalipanda, former Senior Accountant Randy Hatigeva, former Health Procurement Officer Robert Manu and former…

FOUR OFFICERS IN $1.6M FRAUD CASE CLEARED

FOUR former Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) officers have been acquitted of defrauding the government of $1,594,935.12 in payments to a shipping company that did not provide services.  The ruling was delivered by Principal Magistrate Ishmael Kekou on 23 October 2025. The accused, former Finance Controller Stephen Dalipanda, former Senior Accountant Randy Hatigeva, former Health Procurement Officer Robert Manu and former…

 $1.6M CASE FRAUD CLEARED

FOUR former Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) officers have been acquitted of defrauding the government of $1,594,935.12 in payments to a shipping company that did not provide services.  The ruling was delivered Principal Magistrate Ishmael Kekou on 23 October 2025. The accused, former Finance Controller Stephen Dalipanda, former Senior Accountant Randy Hatigeva, former Health Procurement Officer Robert Manu and…

New hall transforms Betikama College

“Our Betikama Multipurpose Centre is now a reality,” says Mr Bevan Tutuo, Principal of Betikama Adventist College.  “I’m overwhelmed with gratitude, excitement, and joy at this historic achievement. Our College, with its rich history and long-standing commitment to academic excellence and spiritual growth, has served countless students over the decades.  “Yet one major piece of…

MALANGO WOMEN FELLOWSHIP CELEBRATES ANNIVERSARY

The Malango Women’s Fellowship celebrated its anniversary on Sunday October 26 at Mataruka local church, in Malango, central Guadalcanal. The event coincided with a farewell ceremony for the Santo Church of Christ, signifying the official closure of the Vanuatu Church of Christ Mission to Solomon Islands. The event featured a church service with actions songs, choir performances…

Man dies while diving for beche-de-mer

A man from Lord Howe in the Malaita Outer Islands has died while diving for beche-de-mer in the Western Province. The incident was believed to have occurred on Thursday afternoon after his oxygen tank reportedly malfunctioned underwater while diving off Rannongah Island. The deceased was said to have been working for a Chinese beche-de-mer agent…