Illegal harvesting of beche-de-mer (sea cucumber) is reportedly on the rise in Western Province, despite a national ban currently in place. Sources in Gizo have revealed that more than ten buyers are actively involved in purchasing beche-de-mer through clandestine networks. Some of these buyers are believed to have agents operating out of Honiara, making it…
The Galo Family in Auki, Malaita Province has officially added a third vessel to their growing shipping business with the commissioning of the MV Mere Galo last week. The vessel was blessed and commissioned by Catholic priest Fr. John Adai during a ceremony in Auki. According to the Galo family, the new ship will operate…
CHINESE President Xi Jinping has expressed China’s readiness to build on its 20-year-old comprehensive strategic partnership with Spain to make the framework more resilient and dynamic to serve the wellbeing of both countries, inject impetus into the China-European Union (EU) relations and make greater contributions to world peace and development. President Xi articulated the significance…
The Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA) concluded its 28th Monitoring, Control and Surveillance Working Group (MCSWG28) meeting at its headquarters in Honiara on 4th April. The weeklong meeting, from 31 March – 4 April, brought together over 115 representatives to Honiara from all 17 FFA Members and international observers. This including the Pacific Community…
THE United States solely benefits from the shiprider agreements it signed with some Pacific Island Countries (PICs) as the latter lack the capability to exercise the same rights. This was stated by the Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian on Friday 11 April in Beijing during a press conference. The China Daily asked for Beijing’s…
A CHIEF hearing helped calmed down the tension between villagers, following the landing of Emerald Mining (SI) Company Limited’s machines on Paraso, North Vella La Vella in Western province on Thursday. According to a formal statement issued by Hon. Rence Sore, Member of Provincial Assembly for Ward 7 and Paramount Chief of the Midukuburu Sambe…
THE arrival of China Civil Engineering Construction Cooperation (CCECC) in Bellona recently was greeted with enthusiasm as they began work on the Ahanga wharf project. Upon landing on the shores of this beautiful Polynesian outlier, the CCECC team, accompanied by a safeguards officer from the Ministry of Infrastructure Development (MID), were greeted by the Community…
THE Ughele village and surrounding areas on Rendova Island in the Western Province can now access 4G network services, thanks to one of the 161 telecommunication towers built by contractor China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC). Reports confirm that the tower, located in the Kire area, went operational on Wednesday at around 3 PM. While some…
CHINESE President Xi Jinping begins a five-day back-to-back visit to three South East Asian countries -Vietnam, Malaysia and Cambodia on Monday after calling for the building of a community of shared future with China’s neighbouring countries. President X issued the call at a recent conference in Beijing on neigbourhood work – the work China is…
The Community Access and Urban Services Enhancement (CAUSE II) Project has pre-identified critical bridges and road drainage systems within Honiara City earmarked for rehabilitation. Construction work is anticipated to commence in the third quarter of this year. Recent heavy rainfall and increased traffic have compromised the structural integrity of these bridges, posing significant safety risks…