Overwhelming landowner response paves way for Auluta commercial rice project

Overwhelming landowner response to the proposed Auluta commercial farming project in East Malaita was an important factor towards moving the project forward. During a consultation and awareness meeting with three Auluta tribes spearheaded by officials from the Ministries of Commerce, Agriculture, and the Office of the Prime Minister last week, tribal members said they are…

BIG BLOW:

Pakera copra buying centre in Kirakira closes its door due to diversion of funds from DCGA’s flagship policy PAKERA Buying Centre in Kirakira – the country’s only facility buying copra and cocoa products from rural farmers – is closing down just 17 months after Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare officially launched it. Rural farmers saw the…

FUNDING SYPHONED:

CEMA’s $77 million revitalisation programme in limbo as funding for DCGA’s flagship policy has been diverted to the Sol2023 Pacific Games THE Democratic Coalition Government for Advancement’s (DCGA’s) $77 million revitalisation programme for the Copra Export Marketing Authority [CEMA] is in limbo after its funding allocation has been syphoned off to help boost the 2023…

SITCO empowers Gaobata farmers with 50,000 vegetable seedlings

IN an inspiring initiative to promote sustainable development and uplift local communities, the Solomon Islands Tobacco Company (SITCo) has joined hands with the Gaobata Farmers Association (GFA) to bolster food security, generate income and improve livelihoods. A handing over ceremony was held at GGPOL 1 where SITCo donated 50,000 vegetable seedlings to Gaobata Farmers Association.…

PAY REFORM TALK:

Public servants face salary restructure as World Bank begins discussions on the policy initiative announced in 2019 by the Sogavare-led DCGA THE WORLD BANK has begun work on restructuring salaries of public servants by holding discussions with stakeholders in Honiara. No details are immediately available on the World Bank mission nor the discussions. But the…

Kraus lauded in farewell reception

THE management and staff of Solomon Airlines formally farewelled their Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Gus Kraus, who has successfully concluded his short-term contract last week. Kraus whose 12-month term came to an end on Friday 18 August had achieved a lot for the country’s national flag carrier during this contract period. The Airlines family got…