An east Fataleka landowner says it would be a sad day for his people, Malaita Province, and the country if Evita was forced to abort its proposed multi-million dollar agro-forestry project on his land. Chairman of Ro’ole Trust Board Allan Siau was commenting on the Ministry of Forestry’s decision to seize Evita’s equipment and logs.…
Chung Wah School in Honiara on Monday received financial support from the Beijing government based in mainland China with a sum of SBD$310,000.00. The donation was the part of an ongoing support from mainland China to redevelop the Chinese operated school in Honiara. Speaking to this paper yesterday on behalf of the school, chairman of…
Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare has appealed for cooperation and mutual partnership amongst the Malaita Provincial Government, resource owners, churches, non-governmental organisations and community groups in the province to ensure economic development and prosperity. The Prime Minister made the appeal in his address at the province’s 32nd Second Appointed Day Anniversary celebration in Auki Friday where…
Move baffles Rennell landowners LOGGING company, Asia Pacific Investment Development Ltd (APID) has taken a 10-year caveat over mining tenements in West Rennell, deepening the controversy over the controversial grant of its mining lease as well as the process of its land acquisition At the same time, the company has doubled the size of its…
A PROPOSED housing scheme the Sogavare government plans for public servants is rigged of corruption, Parliamentary Independent leader Manasseh Maelanga says. Mr Maelanga also slammed the $3.7 million the government paid to owners of speed boat Sun Express, which they hired during the government formation stages last December. “This government must come out clear on…
THE Ministry of Forestry is embarking on new tougher measures to crackdown on illegal logging practices in the country. The new initiative is aimed at ensuring that logging companies and operators do business within the laws of the land by fully complying with the requirements of the Forestry Act and other related regulations. Minister for…
LOCAL environmental campaigner Lawrence Makili has described the recent Solomon Islands-New Zealand Timber Industry Meeting as a “total miscarriage”. He said this is because reps from environmental organisations were excluded from the talks. “As an environmental campaigner, I have made attempts to be part of the dialogue but received no positive response from organisers,” he…
THE court will be handing down its ruling on a legal issue raised in relation to the $7.3 million fraud in the Ministry of Health and Medical Services case on September 31. Public Solicitor Douglas Hou last Thursday raised the issue of double jeopardy on the charges against accused John Biliki. Biliki is facing 14…
A NEW Zealand-based non-government organisation, OceansWatch, is leaving Temotu Province because of Customs and Immigration issues. The NGO, whose workers normally travelled directly to Temotu on yacht, said they’ve always experienced immigration and customs clearance delays at Lata. This is due to the absence of immigration and customs officers in the province. OceansWatchhad been working…
A POLICE officer found guilty of causing the death of a girl in a road accident in 2011 will be sentenced, Monday (today). Principal Magistrate Ricky Iomea deferred the sentence that was listed for Friday because he was yet to finalise it. Rex U’upwe of Makira/Ulawa had been remanded in custody after his conviction and…