Concerns have been raised over potential environmental destruction, even though the government believes the new Mineral Resources Bill will benefit landowners more than foreign companies. The Government for National Unity and Transformation (GNUT) is expected to table the new Mineral Resources Bill to replace the Mines and Minerals Act when Parliament resumes on July 14,…
A local shop-keeper in Gizo, Western Province, has survived after severely burned by a butane gas fire on Saturday. The incident, which occurred at the back of the shop, has shocked the local community and residents of Gizo. According to victim’s colleagues, two shopkeepers were cleaning a pig’s ear using a butane torch blow gun.…
The Minister of Agriculture and Livestock (MAL), Frankly Derek Wasi, has underscored the critical importance of sustainable food systems and food production. He echoed this statement during a side meeting at the 4th Pacific Week of Agriculture and Forestry, held in Nuku’alofa, Tonga. Themed “A Resilient Pacific Food System – It Is Everyone’s Business”, the…
The Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SICCI) welcomes and acknowledge the passage of the Special Economic Zone (SEZ) Bill in Parliament recently. After sorting out the amendments, the Bill will be sent to the Government General for ascent before it becomes the Special Economic Zone Act by the National Parliament. In a public…
Hot on the heels of the annual Wogasia Festival in Santa Catalina, the people of Santa Ana have staged a major cultural event to welcome passengers on board the Silver Seas Cruise Lines’ Silver Cloud which visited on 26 May. The 250 passengers on board the ship vessel were treated to a traditional welcome ceremony, dancing and…
MANY Solomon Islands seasonal workers engaged under the Australia’s Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) Scheme are desperate to leave, citing harsh working conditions, low pay and unfulfilled promises to improve their welfare. Because of the situation, many local workers have absconded their original assigned work place. Some have described their experiences on one Queensland berry…
A young man from South Vella, Western Province lost his life in a tragic drowning incident while out diving for beche-de-mer late Sunday night. According to relatives, the deceased and his first cousin, along with a group of boys, had gone on a night dive off Kimbiri in South Vella to look for beche-de-mer—a lucrative…
Solomon Islands and Australia’s National Farmers Federation (NFF), the peak national body representing farmers and, more broadly, agriculture across Australia have reinforced the importance of the PALM worker scheme, in a landmark meeting that was held at NFF’s House in Canberra on Wednesday last week. “The Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) Scheme, is the big…
AS Xiamen City in Fujian Province plays host to the 3rd Summit of the Foreign Ministers of China and the Pacific Island Countries (PICs) with bilateral relations with China, it is worth looking at the facts published by China Daily about this coastal city in order to appreciate its idealness as an international meeting venue.…
The Western Provincial Government (WPG) has announced that it will hold the 2025 Provincial Performance Forum in Gizo provincial capital of Western Province on Thursday, 29th May 2025. The open air forum will be held at the MSG Complex in Gizo. The Provincial Performance Forum is a strategic platform aimed at bringing together all key…