PACIFIC Island Foreign Ministers and representatives and their delegations were treated to a high-level maritime rescue operation drill at the picturesque Xiamen City Harbor on Friday 30 May. The drill was part of the activities for the third China-Pacific Island Countries’ Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Xiamen City last week, and it was to showcase the…
(CGTN) Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Thursday 29 May met with Secretary of Foreign Affairs Lorin S. Robert of Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) in Xiamen, with the two sides pledging to advance China-FSM comprehensive strategic partnership. Robert, is in China to attend the Third China-Pacific Island Countries Foreign Ministers’ Meeting. Wang, also a…
Fiu Bridge, located approximately 6 km from Malaita’s provincial capital, Auki, was reopened to traffic on Thursday night following emergency repair works. China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation management has expressed regret over the incident and has committed resources to repairing the damaged sections and implementing further upgrades to enhance the structure’s integrity. In response…
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…