No buildings on fire, police probe looting 

Police are currently carrying out a forensic examination on damages and looting done to the Pacific Casino Hotel and other shops and buildings during Wednesday’s upheaval. A group of angry people on Wednesday took to the streets shortly after the announcement of the prime minister, causing disturbances, fighting and damaging properties. “Pacific Casino has been…

95 to contest HCC Election

AT the close of nominations for the Honiara City Council (HCC) Election 95 candidates have submitted their names to contest. Nomination has officially closed, as of 4:30pm yesterday afternoon. Returning Officer Vincent Kohata said a good number of intending candidates came forward and handed their submissions. “As of closing time, I can confidently say that…

Sogavare on West Papua

NEWLY elected Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare, once a staunch advocator for West Papua independence says he’ll be taking friendlier approach to the issue. He was responding to a question on his government’s foreign policy on West Papua during his first press conference on Wednesday. This was just after he received a call from the Indonesia’s…

In Court with Assumpta Buchanan

* Ruling, Monday, on murder committal* Trio to plea today Ruling, Monday, on murder committal RULING on a committal matter of the man accused of the murder of a10-year-old girl at Tikopia last year is likely to be handed down Monday next week. Chief Magistrate Emma Garo was supposed to hand down her ruling on the…

RSIPF appeals for calm

The Royal Solomon Islands Force (RSIPF) has called on all citizens of Solomon Islands especially those in Honiara to remain calm and refrain from taking any illegal action following the election of the Prime Minister. The statement came after angry mobs protested through the streets of Honiara damaging properties and vehicles. Most of them even…

Australia congratulates Sogavare

AUSTRALIAN High Commissioner Roderick Brazier has congratulated Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare on his election, and pledged to work closely with his government. “I extend my warm congratulations to Prime Minister Sogavare,” said High Commissioner Brazier. “Australia has a strong and enduring relationship with Prime Minister Sogavare,” he added. “We have cooperated fruitfully on many critical…

Sogavare denies ‘failing Malaita’

PRIME Minister Manasseh Sogavare has hit out at accusations his past governments have failed Malaita in terms of project implementation. He was speaking during his first press conference following his election, Wednesday. He said the proposed Bina Habour project for example has been around and the country for years, but is beginning to see a…

Police arrest more

POLICE have so far arrested more than 30 suspects for offences involved in disturbances in Honiara after the election of the Prime Minister on Wednesday. Police say certain members of the public decided to take the law into their own hands and marched through some streets in Honiara, causing public disturbances, fighting and property damage.…

Wale clarifies election decision

WHY WE WALKED OUT By ANDREW FANASIA MATHEW Wale says his group walked out from the prime minister’s election yesterday for the “sake of the rule of law”. He said they made the decision after Governor General Sir Frank Kabui refused to accept a High Court order he obtained to postpone the election. Wale’s rival…

PM’s VOTE DAY

Urgent court challenge fails to stall election By AATAI J. LAUINGI   THE election of a new Prime Minister will go ahead this morning despite a court case challenging the candidacy of Manasseh Sogavare. Sogavare and Mathew Wale are vying for the top job. But yesterday Wale, through his lawyer Gabriel Suri, filed a case…