Why we sell rice

SIPA says it wants to break the monopoly SOLOMON Islands Ports Authority (SIPA) wants to break the monopoly on rice sales in the country. This came after the country’s long time rice importer, Sol Rice has been dominating the market for years now. Even the government’s effort to help local farmers plant rice to reduce…

Hospital theft on the rise

Latest victim loses laptop, cash HEALTH authorities are working on beefing up security around the National Referral Hospital (NRH) premises in light of the increasing incidents of theft in there. NRH chief executive officer Dr Steve Aumanu revealed this to the Solomon Star. “Security is a long standing issue for the hospital,” Dr Aumanu said.…

Govt warned to fulfill promises

THE GOVERNMENT has been reminded to fulfill promises it made to the people of Solomon Islands. Parliament member for North West Choiseul, Connelly Sandakabatu reminded Government this during debate on the 2016 national budget by the Public Accounts Committee. The Public Accounts committee was then deliberating on sub-head allocations in the budget in respect of…

Bail refused for alleged robber

The court has on Monday refused a bail application made for a man facing charges of armed robbery and discharging of fire-arm in public. One of the reasons for refusing the bail application was that the money stolen and fire-arm used in the alleged armed robbery was not yet recovered by police. Sulimae Severio was…

Gizo havoc under control

Police nab 18 people for being violent and causing disturbance GIZO Police say the tense situation at the provincial capital caused by retaliatory confrontation by two ethnic groups has now been brought under control. Provincial Police Commander Western Province Fred Satu said Gizo Township is now peaceful and calm after the havoc had caused public…

Auki police raid marijuana garden

Auki police uprooted 41 plants when they raided a marijuana garden at Buiano community in west Kwara’ae, Malaita, Friday. Police said the plants have a street value of $50,000. Auki Inspector Timothy Apaesi told the Sunday Star the raid was made possible with the help and cooperation of community leaders. “The owner of the garden…

Australian delegation concludes Pacific visit

Four Australian parliamentarians led by the Minister for International Development and the Pacific, the Hon Steven Ciobo MP, left Honiara last Thursday after a successful visit. In a meeting with Prime Minister Sogavare, Minister Ciobo reaffirmed Australia’s commitment to a strong partnership with Solomon Islands focusing on stability, economic growth and human development. “I was…

Gege is new Malaita PS

MALAITA Premier Peter Ramohia yesterday announced that Jackson Gege is the province’s new Provincial Secretary. Premier Ramohia says the appointment will be formalised soon. “I am informed by the Permanent Secretary of Provincial Government and Strengthening, Dick Pirione earlier on about the post,” Mr Ramohia said. “He will work with my executive to ensure formal…