International election observers arriving

INTERNATIONAL electoral observers are starting to fly into the country to observe the first Solomon Islands National General Election (NGE) since the RAMSI left the country in 2017. Solomon Island Electoral Office (SIEC) Chief Electoral Officer Mose Saitala told the media in Honiara, Monday. According to Saitala they expect 200 electoral observers both internationally and…

Death certificate wanted in court

CHIEF Justice Sir Albert Palmer has ordered the death certificate of late John Biliki, who was charged in connection with the $10 million scandal in the Ministry of Health and Medical Services, to be provided to the court. Palmer ordered Biliki’s lawyer to provide the death certificate within the next 14 days. This is to…

Panga case back in court

THE matter of the former Guadalcanal premier Stephen Panga, who faces a charge of abuse of office, will return to court again, April 8. Panga was excused from attending court on Tuesday. His trial last year had been vacated after prosecution made an application to admit the statement of one of their witnesses. Principal Magistrate…

Varley conducts brief visit to West

Police Commissioner Mathew Varley successfully conducted a half day visit to the Western Province on Tuesday. He visited three centres starting at the provincial capital, Gizo then onto Ringi and Seghe. The short visit was to discuss issues related to next week’s election, its preparation,  the safety and security of the people in Western province…

PM’s OFFICE LEAKING

Staff told to work from home By ANDREW FANASIA STAFF in the Office of the Prime Minister and Cabinet have been told to work from home while urgent renovation is being done at the office. That’s according to officials working there. The rotting office has been leaking since last year. A short video of the…

Suspects in sea robbery on bail

Four of the men accused of robbing two Chinese businessmen at sea between Guadalcanal and Gela early this year have been released on bail. Henry Zimbo, 44, was released last week while Cecil Domo, 24, David Rugitona, 30 and John Kara were released on Monday. They were released on a cash bail of $500 attached…

No mobile phones at polling stations

USE of mobile phones inside polling stations on election day next will not be permitted. Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Mose Saitala revealed this, Monday. He said it’s important for all eligible voters to know that cell phones will not be permitted in polling station. “Votes must remain secret therefore it is important that voters leave…

Archbishop Takeli retires, farewelled

The sixth Archbishop of the Anglican Church Melanesia and the Bishop of the Diocese of Central Melanesia (DOCM), the Most Reverend George Angus Takeli is retiring from official Church duty. He was officially farewelled last Sunday in a moving Liturgical service at Saint Barnabas Provincial Cathedral in Honiara. Towards the end of the of the…

SIEC on MOI, Temotu Vatud passengers

THE Solomon Islands Electoral Commission (SIEC) will not allow passengers from Malaita Outer Island (MOI) and Temotu Vatud to travel in any ships chartered by the electoral office to these two places before the polling day. SIEC Chief Electoral Officer Mose Saitala made this statement during the press conference, Monday in Honiara. “While it is…