THE General Manager (GM) of Solomon Islands Tobacco Company (SITCO) who allegedly breached the Tobacco Act will return to the Honiara Magistrate Court on March 3 for breaching the Tobacco Control Act 2024. That is when the court will make directions as to his plea. John Darren Corby faces one count of Restriction on Advertisement…
AUTHORITIES and Community Leaders in the Western Province are calling on small Outboard Motor (OBM) boat operators to obtain licenses as part of efforts to ensure safety and also contribute to provincial revenue. With small OBM boats playing a vital role in transportation across the country, especially in the Western Province, there is growing concern…
THE rhinoceros beetles have reached big villages in Rendova Island, sparking fear of total destruction to coconut plantations in the near future. In the Christmas and New Year festive season, Solomon Star made observations of rhinoceros beetles on coconut trees at Ughele village in South Rendova in the Western Province. From the observation, Solomon Star…
THE Malaita Provincial Assembly has passed the Malaita Provincial Government’s (MPG’s) revised budget for the remaining part of the 2024/2025 financial year, which is worth SBD 34,330,635. The budget was approved by the Malaita Provincial Assembly in their budget meeting last Wednesday. With the passage of the revised budget, MPG will continue delivering services to…
Asphalt paving on Noro Roads in Western Province is now underway, the Ministry of Infrastructure Development (MID) has announced. The commencement of placing asphalt began on January 9, 2025. This development marks an important milestone in the ongoing efforts to improve the transportation infrastructure in the Western Province. The Noro Roads improvement work is funded…
A legal team comprising local and international lawyers is preparing to file a compensation claim against the insurer Korea Protection and Indemnity Club (KP&I) for the 2019 oil spill in Kangava Bay, Rennell. The team includes William Kadi, former head of the Public Solicitor Office’s (PSO’s) Landowner Advocacy and Legal Support Unit, now with Primo…
THE Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SICCI) has acknowledged the Honiara City Council (HCC) for reducing fees and charges for 2025. SICCI made their acknowledgement following the Honiara City Council’s (HCC) announcement of its reduction of fees and charges for 2025 as part of the HCC (2025 Fees, Rates and Charges) Ordinance 2024. …
THE World Bank-funded Solomon Islands Roads and Aviation Projects (SIRAP) in Malaita Province will be officially handed over to the province next month. The completed projects include the North Corridor Road, Bio 1 Bridge, Bio 2 Bridge and Koa Bridge. The announcement was made by Malaita Premier Elijah Asilaua at the Revised 2024/2025 Budget Meeting…
FORMER Papua New Guinea (PNG) Prime Minister and businessman Peter O’Neill has expressed interest in the controversial Tavanipupu Wellness & Spa Retreat located in Marau, East Guadalcanal. Mr O’Neill, currently visiting Honiara, has been exploring some of the country’s iconic tourism destinations, including the Solomon Islands National Provident Fund (SINPF)-owned Tavanipupu retreat. SINPF General Manager…
CONCERNS have resurfaced over certain passenger vessels traveling to the Western Province in breach of marine safety regulations by exceeding the authorised passenger capacity set by the Solomon Islands Maritime Authority (SIMA). Reports indicate that some vessels carry passengers beyond the certified limits, raising serious safety concerns. January is a travel peak time for passenger…