MSG opens door for Papua membership

The door is now open to West Papuans to join the Melanesian Spearhead Group, provided they have an inclusive and united group and are in consultation with the government of Indonesia. Following the adoption of a roadmap in relation to the application by the West Papua National Coalition for Liberation (WPNCL) for membership in June…

New vehicle no. plates effective today

The final phase of the new vehicle and driver licensing system administered by Inland Revenue will commence today with the launch of the new vehicle registration plates. The principal licensing officer, Aylton Jamieson, has confirmed that the new plates are ready to be issued from that date. A statement from the Inland Revenue said the…

SISA kicks off independence activities

The Solomon Islands students association (SISA) studying at the University of the South Pacific (USP) in Fiji will kick-off their week-long independence celebration with sporting activities starting today. Reports reaching this paper stated that there would be sporting activities, cultural night performance and feasting being planned for the day. A total of five sporting games…

The Coconut kindergarten

Every week, the parents of children at a small kindergarten in Fiukwai, Malaita, have to pay fees to keep their children in the school. But even though the children come from low-income families, their parents have no problem paying for their children’s education. This is because the ‘fees’ are paid in coconuts. And it just…

Melanesian culture at its best

Melanesia is said by many to be the last frontier, when it comes to culture. Ancient traditional dances, practices and “kustom” remain commonplace, and alive in this part of the world. It’s something that must not be taken for granted, according to Papua New Guinea Foreign Affairs Minister Rimbink Pato. As the fifth Melanesia Arts…

West Kwara’ae SSEC youth rally concludes well

Youths within South Sea Evangelical Church (SSEC) West Kwara’ae Association 1(WKA) successfully ended the youth rally over the weekend from 27th – 29th June 2014. The program started on Friday with a triumph match started from the main road up to the church compound. Despite the unkind rain, the youths really enjoyed the program. There…

Florida proposes pana festival

Pana festival has been proposed as the next event to be held in Florida Island next year. This was revealed by Director of Pata Sauragi Home stay Peter Sagupari to the Solomon Star during the official closing of the 3rd yacht festival held at Roderick Hideaway accommodation on Friday. Mr Sagupari said the pana festival…

Manetiva supports Green Tourism

The Central Island government has thanked the services offered by Green Tourism Solomon Island Ltd to the province and encouraged them to expand the services across to other islands in Central. Stanley Manetiva highlighted this during official closing of the 3rd yacht festival at Roderick Bay Hideaway accommodation over the weekend. Mr Manetiva said since…

Gela’s traditional fishing way highlighted

A traditional fishing method used by Ngela ancestors was highlighted during the three day yacht festival at Roderick Bay Hideaway over the weekend. Called Kwarao fishing, it was a traditional fishing method did by Gela people on swallow water where wild ropes brought from the bushes were tied up together and stretched  several metres in…

Victory for anti-corruption

The sentencing of John Poloso for defrauding the state of more than $1.5 million sends a strong message to the public according to Transparency Solomon Islands (TSI). Last week Mr. Poloso was jailed for two and the half years by Magistrate Jim Seuika after pleading guilty to two counts of false pretence. In a statement…