WPG strengthens ties with Fujian Province 

The Western Provincial Government (WPG) has once again welcomed a high-level delegation from China’s Fujian Province in Gizo on Monday. This marked the second official visit since the establishment of a sister-province relationship last year. Leading the delegation was, Hon. Li Dejin, Vice Chairman of the Standing Committee of the Fujian Provincial People’s Congress, underscored…

Sogavare denies resignation linked to PM bid

Former Minister of Finance and Treasury, Manasseh Sogavare, has dismissed claims he resigned to contest the Prime Minister’s (PM) seat. Sogavare is among five ministers from the Government for National Unity and Transformation (GNUT) and five backbenchers who resigned on Monday. The ministers who resigned include: Manasseh Maelanga – Minister of Infrastructure Development (MID) Rollen…

SI, Korea officials discuss Bina Harbour project

Officials from Honiara met with Korea’s Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries and others in Seoul last week to discuss a possible collaboration on the Bina Harbour Tuna Processing Plant project. Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources Permanent Secretary Dr Christain Ramofafia, Ronald Ivupitu, Chief Engineer Solomon Islands Ports Authority, and Fred Conning, Technical Services Coordinator…

TNC hosts conservation workshop in Buala

The Nature Conservancy (TNC) is conducting a three-day Conservation Partnership Workshop in Buala, Isabel this week. The workshop bring together a diverse group of stakeholders to enhance conservation initiatives throughout the province. The workshop aims to create a collaborative conservation model that promotes long-term environmental sustainability, bolsters local governance, and improves community livelihoods.  Dr. Pete…

WP welcomes lift of bech-de-mer ban

THE Western Provincial (EP) Executive Government welcomes the lifting of the Bech-de-mer ban following the announcement by the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources (MFMR) last week. Western Province Deputy Premier Brian Lotikena confirmed this to Solomon Star in an interview early this week. He said rural villagers can now dive for and sell Bech-de-mer…

Accused faces indecent act

THE trial of a 21 year-old man accused of committing an indecent act against an 11 year girl will start next Monday in the Honiara Magistrate’s Court. Deputy Chief Magistrate Ricky Iomea will hear the trial. During the final interim mention early this week, the court was informed that the defendant was not present, and…

Awareness on road safety underway 

As part of the ongoing specific and routine road maintenance project a community awareness programme was launched last week in West Honiara and is now underway.  The Safeguards Team of the Ministry of Infrastructure (MID) are rolling out the outreach program. The team has actively engaged with residents living along the maintenance routes to facilitate…

SI strengthens agricultural ties with China

A high-level delegation from the Solomon Islands, led by His Excellency Ambassador Barret Salato, has embarked on a significant visit to the Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences (CATAS) in Hainan, China.  This visit reaffirms the two nations’ commitment to enhancing collaboration in tropical agriculture, as part of the South-South partnership framework. The delegation included…