INCREASE REVENUE FORECAST

Gov’t expects to collect more this year By AATAI JOHN                   THE GOVERNMENT expects to increase its local revenue collections this year by $151 million from last year, Finance minister Manasseh Sogavare says. Handing down this year’s $4.068 billion budget in parliament on Monday, Mr Sogavare said $3.5 billion of the total budget will be sourced…

$6m saved after PAs’ reduction

ABOUT $6 million was saved in taxpayers’ money after the number of Political Appointees (PA) was reduced from 51 to 36. This was revealed in parliament on Monday by Prime Minister (PM) Rick Howenipwela, in response to question asked by Member of Parliament (MP) for Aoke-Langalanga Matthew Wale. Mr Wale asked the PM to confirm…

Local artists thankful for workshop

MEMBERS of the Art Society Solomon Islands (ASSI) have voiced their appreciation to the United States (US) Embassy following the successful completion of a one-day art workshop last week. Speaking on behalf of all the artists, Chairman of the local Art Society Richard Bibimarui said that they were very happy to have learnt about new…

GOVT PAYS BILL

THE Government through the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has finally settled the questionable outfit for the country’s contingent to the Commonwealth Games, through its Ministry Tender Board (MTB), last Friday. This came after the Solomon Star published an article Monday last week about a minor stand off between the Commonwealth Games Association Solomon Islands…

Varley thanks community

POLICE chief Matthew Varley has acknowledged work of his officers, community at Koa Hill and Member of Parliament for Central Honiara in sorting out the incident that occurred at the settlement last Friday. Mr Varley made the acknowledgements at his weekly conference on Thursday at the Rove Police headquarters. “Special thanks to the provincial Police…

Fraud trial comes to close

The million dollar fraud trial of the former permanent secretary for the Ministry of Infrastructure Development (MID) Henry Murray and his wife Rose has now come to an end. It is now reaching the closing submissions stage. Prosecution and the Defence counsels are directed to file in their written closing submissions by Wednesday this week.…

Girl, 13, gets huge support

Many step in to meet Fiji medical trip By LYNNISSHA RUNA The father of a critically-ill 13-year-old girl who seeks medical attention in Fiji says he was overwhelmed by many generous offers they have received enabling her daughter to finally make the crucial trip soon. John Morosini Loveth made a passionate appeal to cover he…

GIRL, 13, NEEDS YOUR HELP

Father’s passionate plea to save daughter’s life By CHARLES KADAMANA THE father of a 13-year-old girl suspected with brain tumour on Thursday issued a passionate appeal for financial assistance to send his daughter for treatment in Fiji. John Morosini Loveth made the appeal after doctors told him there’s no CT scan at the National Referral…