Malaita marks big day despite challenges

DESPITE its poor cash-flow situation, Malaitan leaders and their people congregate at Malu’u to celebrate the province’s 31st second appointed day. The celebration was to remember the day Malaita gained its status as a province 31 years ago in 1983. The event was marked peacefully, and Malu’u substation officer commanding Alfred Fioga was pleased with…

ADB to rebuild damaged infrastructures

THE Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a US$15.58 million project to help the Solomon Islands rebuild transport infrastructure damaged by recent flash floods. The assistance, drawn from ADB’s Disaster Response Facility, will help fund construction of new infrastructure designed to be more resilient against future disasters and other climate threats. ADB’s financing is $13.22…

Rapists warned

Your glory days are over, says judge A JUDGE has issued the harshest of warnings yet to would-be rapists. “Expect no lenient sentences if you are found guilty of rape,” High Court judge Justice Stephen Pallaras said, as he imposed longer jail terms for two men convicted of rape, Thursday. He said the penalty for…

Police deployed to Gold Ridge mine site

POLICE deployed 50 officers to the Gold Ridge mine site in Central Guadalcanal following the escalation of law and order problem in the area. The situation resulted in Gold Ridge Mining Limited evacuating all its expatriate staff to Honiara on Wednesday. The workers, including Gold Ridge Mining Ltd (GRML) general manager Stean Barrie are now…

Gold Ridge withdraws workers

GOLD Ridge Mining Limited (GRML) confirmed last night it has withdrawn personnel from its Gold Ridge mine following a serious escalation in security and associated safety concerns. GRML Director, Bob Vassie, said: “Safety is the Company’s highest priority. We have taken the decision to withdraw our employees from site because we cannot assure their continued…

New twist: Renbel elects new premier

IN a new twist, Renbel Assembly yesterday elected a new premier in a meeting embattled premier LenceTangosia boycotted. Timothy Johnston was elected during the meeting held at the Pacific Casino Hotel. Renbel Provincial Speaker Norman Sao confirmed the election, saying Mr Johnston took his oath immediately after he was elected to power. Early this week,…

Kerry pays tribute here

UNITED States Secretary of State John Kerry has paid tribute to Coastwatchers and US Marines who fought and lost their lives during the Second World War here. “If it hasn’t been for the coastwatchers and the scouts, we would be bastards in ten minutes,” Mr Kerry said during a wreath laying ceremony at the Solomon…