COVID coordination a challenge

COORDINATION remains one of the major challenges amongst Solomon Islands Government agencies while the battle to contain COVID-19 virus remains active in the country. According to the latest National Disaster Council (NDC) Situational Report (SITREP) No.15, agencies are observed to be protective of their mandated areas of operations. “Even though the N-DOC arrangement is being…

Police on bribery allegation

Police will only investigate bribery allegation into the motion of no confidence if the public raises the matter to police says Provincial Police Commander (PPC), Stanley Riolo. PPC Riolo said since the motion of no confidence has been defeated on the floor of the Malaita Provincial Assembly, no one has come forward and raised complaints…

AIRLINE FACES TURBULENCE 

NATIONAL carrier Solomon Airlines is in a deep financial dilemma due to the ongoing health threat brought about by COVID-19 to the airline industry. In a public statement to update the country, Solomon Airlines Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Brett Gebers said COVID-19 has really impacted the airline operations which resulted in border closures and travel…

MP to stop essential support 

MEMBER of Parliament for North New Georgia, Rendova and Tetepare Danny Philip says he will stop paying for essential services to his constituents next year. Mr. Philip made this announcement through the Constituency Development Office page recently. “Next year I would like to announce that there will be no sea fares, no medical welfare for…

PM on contact tracing

PRIME Minister (PM) Manasseh Sogavare says following the detection of the third Covid-19 positive case, contact tracing to identify close and casual contacts of the 1st, 2nd and 3rd positive cases had been conducted. Speaking during his nationwide address yesterday, Sogavare said this process is important as those in close contact with the index cases…

Public transport excluded from ESP

THE Economic Stimulus Package (ESP) only welcomes applicants for transportation that relates to tourism activities and not public transportation such as buses and taxis.  Permanent Secretary (PS) of the Ministry of Finance and Treasury as well as Chair of the ESP Committee McKinnie Dentana confirmed this during the talkback show on Sunday in response to…

Call to halt logging operation on Abarafi land 

ABARAFI Tribal Landowners Association Incorporation wants logging company Chia Tai Enterprises Solomon Islands to halt its logging operation on Abarafi tribal land. The call came after license holder Ishmael Lalifu and Chia Tai Enterprises allegedly changed the original agreement with the landowners and entered what the landowners described as a “dubious agreement” with another group…