Statistics hit back at critics, explains role

THE Solomon Islands National Statistics Office (SINSO) within the Ministry of Finance and Treasury (MoFT) is the Government Central Statistics Agency and has the mandate to release and report on key official economic statistics/indicators in the country. That’s according to the Government Statistician Douglas Kimi. Mr Kimi was responding to commentators on social media questioning…

MASI launches social media policy

The Media Association of Solomon Islands (MASI) now has a social media policy to ensure the integrity of its members when using social media. The policy launched at the Heritage Park Hotel in Honiara last Saturday was put together by an Australian volunteer working with the Solomon Islands Broadcasting Corporation Nick Sas. The social media…

Economic boost for Western province

THE recent signing of the SIPA- Maersk-Tri Marine Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) is expected to bring more economic opportunities for people in the Western province. Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare in his remarks during the signing ceremony in Honiara last week highlighted the importance of the partnership. “These trade partnerships will not only increase economic activity…

‘OFFICIALS IGNORANT’

THE current mess in the bêche-de-mer industry is a result of ignorance by the senior officials of the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources (MFMR). Ontong Javanese medical practitioner and entrepreneur Dr Reginald Aipia revealed this on Sunday following seizure of illegally harvested beche-de-mer stocks last week. Dr Aipia said the reports of illegal harvests…

Wanted men

Have you seen these two ‘criminals’? By LYNNISSHA RUNA  Police are hunting down two “dangerous men” who escaped lawful custody at the Honiara Magistrates Court last Wednesday. The two are: FRANK FIRIMOLE, 29, from Malaita. Police believed he’s residing in the Green Valley area of east Honiara. He is described as 168cms tall of medium…

BIG HAUL

Police seized tonnes of Illegally harvested beche-de-mers By AATAI JOHN POLICE on Thursday seized tonnes of illegally-harvested beche-de-mers when they raided three separate business residences in Honiara. The raids stunned and shock on-lookers. The raids were carried out at St. Nicholas, Ranadi, and Ngossi. These were the same locations used to prepare the beche-de-mers for…

GIRL, 13, TRICKED

South Guadalcanal rape case disclosed in court By ASSUMPTA BUCHANAN TWO juveniles and three adults who allegedly ganged up to rape a 13-year-old girl at a village in Weathercoast, south Guadalcanal, last month have been remanded in custody, Wednesday. The two juvenile males aged 16 and 17 are facing charges of rape and defilement while…