Gov’t policy strategy to cost $20b in four years

THE Democratic Coalition for Change (DCC) Government’s four year budget will cost $20 billion, according to its published policy strategy handbook released during their launch on Tuesday. Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare highlighted in his government’s policy statement that his government is determined to bring about positive changes. Mr Sogavare said these changes will come about…

Moves to resolve RIPEL saga

THE Sogavare led government has taken a diplomatic approach to re-solve the long drawn industrial dispute of Russell Islands Plantation Estate Limited (RIPEL) at Yandina. This came after Prime Minister Sogavare sent a delegation to meet with RIPEL general manager, John Whiteside last December to find ways of re-opening the operation. RIPEL management has fully…

Alleged bank robbers face court, remanded

FOUR men accused of participating in the $4 million Westpac Bank robbery on Monday yesterday appeared in court and were remanded. Dudley Baemalea, Patteson Amos Otokwai, Jonathan Wanefiolo and Stanley Waneakwasia appeared before a pack courtroom, with each facing one count of robbery. A fifth person, whom police described as the prime suspect, is still…

Good governance, customary land top DCC’s list

GOOD governance and customary land are the two central themes emphasized in the Sogavare’s led Democratic Coalition for Change Government’s (DCCG) policy priority programmes for the next four years. Speaking at the policy launch Tuesday, Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare said, the two central themes emphasized in his government’s programmes are the pursuit for good governance…

Tetere Correctional gets support

GOVERNMENT through the Ministry of National Unity, Reconciliation and Peace (MNURP) has handed over equipment to Tetere Correctional Centre. UNDP Human Security Trust Fund (HSTF) funded the equipment under the Ministry of National Unity, Reconciliation and Peace. The equipment included, tables, chairs, cabinet, computer set, printer, tonors, kitchens utensils, Pprojector, A4 ctn rim papers. Speaking…

Human Rights, critical building block for good governance

Pacific Parliamentarians from 11 Pacific Island countries were reminded today that embracing the principles of human rights such as transparency, accountability, non-discrimination and participation into parliamentary systems will promote good governance and result in improved development outcomes for the region. The 23 members of Parliament are in Nadi this week attending the first day of…

Mobile firm supports students

BEMOBILE/Vodafone is offering specials in 3G handsets and tablets as part of the Back to School Program. Speaking to the paper the company’s Solomon Islands based Chief Executive Officer (CEO Niall Downey said, the special is to ensure students returning to school have accessed to data services through the 3G handsets and tablets offered at…

South road passengers stranded

TRUCKLOADS of passengers from the Are,are and West Kwaio regions bound for Auki yesterday morning never made it due to a flooding Laulana River at Radefasu. Laulana Bridge at Radefasu connects Central Kwara’ae to the West Kwaio and West Are’are constituencies. The bridge was burnt after results of the recent national general elections emerged, by…

SI seafood businesses stand chance to grow from Fish 2.0

Solomon Islands entrepreneurs working within the seafood sector from boat to plate could exponentially expand their businesses through the Fish 2.0 competition launched globally early this month. Fish 2.0 is a business competition that connects investors with seafood businesses giving them an opportunity to win over $180,000 in prizes, gain international visibility, find strategic partners…