PS clarifies, admits hefty SIPA payment

THE Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Infrastructure Development has clarified that the huge amount of money received by the Solomon Islands Ports Authority (SIPA) board, was not a one-off bulk payment. Henry Murray was responding to claims board members were paid a hefty one-off payment of between $150,000 and $170,000 as bonus payment. “We…

Malaita premier challenges Malaita leaders

MALAITA premier Peter Ramohia has opened the provincial assembly’s meeting on Friday last week. During his speech to open the one-week meeting which resumes tomorrow, Mr Ramohia reminded provincial members of their duties and highlighted the focus of his government. “We must continue to work together to realize the vision of the current government. It…

Volunteer encourages safety

A Japanese volunteer who worked in the Ministry of Infrastructure Development (MID) for the last 13 months says safety has been seen in this country as minor. Ayaka Kawano was referring to safety of people doing construction and other dangerous jobs. “I have observed during my time here that almost all trades people and those…

PS, family unharmed

WHAT appeared to be a deadly accident turned out to be a lucky escape as the permanent secretary of the Ministry of Commerce, Industries Labour and Immigration walk away unharmed. Eye witnesses told the Sunday Star George Kosui walked out from the crashed government vehicle with a woman and a child believed to be his…

ROC releases $17.2m constituency funds

The Government of the Republic of China on Taiwan has formally released the third tranche of the 2015 ROC Support Constituency Development (RSCD) funds totalling $17.2 Million dollar to 44 constituencies. Taiwan Ambassador to Solomon Islands His Excellency Victor Te-Sun Yu handed over the disbursement instruments of the funds to the Prime Minister Hon Manasseh…

PSs and USs complete awareness on Constitution

Permanent Secretaries (PS), Under Secretaries (US) and senior officials of the various Government Ministries have concluded the Constitutional Reform Unit’s (CRU) Public Awareness on the 2nd 2014 Draft Federal Constitution of Solomon Islands yesterday at Heritage Park Hotel. The Awareness program started on Monday 29th February and was expected to end on Friday 4th March,…

SIPA imposes new rule

LOCAL ship operators were left speechless when Solomon Islands Ports Authority (SIPA) through their Harbour’s Division office issued a new rule on pilotage for ships with a length of 40m and above. The new regulation will see SIPA pilots taking charge of the boat when arriving and departing the Point Cruz wharves. The new rule…

Boy wants sailing boat back

The young man who courageously towed the lost and found sailing boat ashore for about 17 miles is requesting the state to return the sailing boat to him if none of the neighbouring country claims it. Speaking to the Solomon Star Junior Billy said he wants the government to release the sailing boat back to…

Call for relocation by islanders

LUAPEL House of Chiefs representatives in Malaita Outer Islands are calling again on government to relocate their people because of the ongoing threat by climate change. Chris Keungi told the Solomon Star yesterday that rising sea level and the ongoing bad weather as a result of climate change had already affected their food security and…