Claim of ‘$40m eco disaster’

(Sunday Age) – THE new owner of a Solomon Islands gold mine has launched an extraordinary attack on the Australian previous owner, accusing it of leaving behind a $40 million (US$28.6 million) environmental disaster and called for it to be shut down by regulators. The claim has been vigorously rejected by the company, Melbourne-based St…

SINU academic staff end professional development training

Solomon Islands National University (SINU) academic staff can now teach more professionally after successfully completed a five-week professional development training. A statement from the University said, the professional training was conducted by Dr Elly Govers, an overseas expert in providing training in teaching methods and assessment practices. The service of Dr Elly Govers was funded…

Wharf upgrading in West ready to start

WORK on rehabilitating of Gizo main wharf and Vonunu wharf on Vella La Vella, in Western Province is set to kick off.   This was confirmed by Jimmy Nuake head of the National Transport Fund (NTF) secretariat and the Under Secretary within the Ministry of Infrastructure Development (MID). In a statement, hee said, a contractor is…

Future geologists, mining engineers trained

AXIOM Mining Limited has offered opportunity for six science and engineering university students to workwith experienced geologists in Isabel province, exploring what could well be one of the Pacific’s largest nickel deposits. A statement from mining company on Tuesday said, the students spend more than a month on the island. Five of the students are…

NZ gov’t lauded for help

THE New Zealand government through the High Commissioner’s agency in Honiara has been acknowledged by the Honiara Council of Women (HCW) for donating a marquee and tents yesterday. It was given to the women’s group as support from the High commissioner’s office for outdoor activities. Upon receiving the gifts, the President of HCW Martha Alacky…

Shop owner faces legal action

THE Environmental Health Division of Honiara City Council (HCC) has warned it will take legal action against shop owners in Honiara who refuse to surrender any expired goods for destruction. The division issued the warning following a confrontation incident in Honiara last Friday when one particular shop owner refused to surrender his expired goods to…

Report: APID pays royalty

MORE than a million in royalty has been paid out by the Asia Pacific Investment Development (APID), sources have revealed. And the money is now sitting in a suspense account within the Central Bank of Solomon Islands (CBSI). This payment is for all the trust hold groups on West Rennell acquired land where the bauxite…

Boso’s case trial underway

Hearing of evidences on the case of the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Rural Development, Selina Boso will continue today. The trial started yesterday before Chief Magistrate Emmanuel Kouhota, in the Honiara Magistrates’ Court. Prosecution has already two of its witnesses who testified in court. They are the Ombudsman Joe Poraiwai and the Director…

FSII vs Sumsum case deferred

Trial did not proceed yesterday as listed on the case between Forum Solomon Islands International (FSII) and Chief Executive Officer of Solomon Airlines Ron Sumsum. This was because the lawyer representing FSII, Chris Rarumae of Public Solicitor’s Office did not turn up yesterday. Two of the five FSII accused were absent from court. Lily Ramo…

Man, woman fine for assault charges

A man has been fined $400 yesterday in the Honiara Magistrates’ Court after pleading guilty to assaulting his wife. Fred Foster yesterday appeared before Magistrate Augustine Aulanga and entered a guilty plea to one count of common assault. The court heard he assaulted his wife following an argument with her on the evening of 18…