Pastor released under strict bail

The pastor of a local church in East Are’are Malaita, who is facing a rape charge, has been released on bail yesterday. Principal Magistrate Ricky Iomea allowed the 42-year-old father of four under strict bail conditions. The pastor’s two securities yesterday each paid $1,000 before he was released. His lawyer George Gray made the successful…

Asian accused of intimidation faces judgment

The Taiwanese national accused of intimidating two Malaysian brothers over the issue of Tubi logs will know his fate on May 25. This was after the prosecution and the defence counsel orally presented their closing submissions on Wednesday in the Magistrates’ Court. The judgment was supposed to be handed down by Principal Magistrate Fatima Taeburi…

Police boss discusses family violence with UN rep

POLICE commissioner Frank Prendergast and visiting Special Representative of the UN Secretary General Marta Santos Pais have discussed ways forward on the issue of family violence and violence against children. Mr Prendergast on Thursday said he had fruitful discussions on the continuous combat against the issue. “It was a useful meeting and we appreciate the…

Come donate blood and save lives

Blood Bank at the National Referral Hospital (NRH) is running out of blood and is calling on the general public for voluntary blood donation. A member of the Blood Donation Programme, Fragrana Balova revealed to this paper yesterday that the Blood Bank is in urgent need for blood as the demand for blood is on…

Peaceful rally today

 A PEACEFUL rally calling for Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) leaders to vote for West Papua to become full member of the MSG will go ahead today after permission was granted by the Police Commissioner yesterday. Solomon Islands Solidarity for West Papua Freedom (SISWPF) is organising the rally to demonstrate their support for West Papua. Initially…

Ports Achievement

Discipline is very crucial if the Solomon Islands Ports Authority (SIPA), as a State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs), is to move forward, Chief Executive Officer, Colin Yow says. Mr Yow made the remark in Singapore this week when he presented an overview of SIPA’s projected growth to a visiting Solomon Islands Government delegation. The delegation consisting of…

Ms Santos: Scale up the fight

The visiting Special Representative of the UN Secretary General (SRSG), Marta Santos Pais has called on the Solomon Islands Government to redouble its effort towards achieving full implementation of protocols to the protection of child convention.  “It’s time to scale up,” said the SRSG, Ms. Pais.  While she acknowledges passing of the Child and Family…

POB launches kids savings, Friday

PAN Oceanic Bank (POB) will launch a newly savings account for children between ages 0-18 this morning. Called ‘PIKININI SAVINGS’ it would be launched at POB Panatina Plaza Branch. Pan Oceanic Bank (POB) Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Nihal Kekulawala, told local journalist during a press conference on Wednesday. Mr Kekulawala said, PIKININI SAVINGS account is…

APID offers way out

Asia Pacific Investment Development (APID) has willingly offered a way out of the mess on Rennell mining, suggesting taking the place of exporting stockpiles because they are a legal mining company. The call came after decision taken by Cabinet to approve PT Bintang Borneo limited shipment of stockpiled bauxite from the Rennell mine creating much…