Locals learn better driving

Three officials of the Solomon Islands Electricity Authority [SIEA] have completed a week-long driving instructors’ permit course organised by the Land Transport Authority (LTA) last week. They have joined 40 other local participants to expand their driving skills and also build capacity to run their own accredited driving schools one day. Their participation was made…

Santa Ana celebrates arrival of modern communication

Solomon Islands are rich not only in the diversity of the customs, culture, rituals and lifestyle of the people; they are also generously endowed with natural resources. These natural resources include not only the mineral resources that Alvaro de Mendana who named it the Solomon Islands so many years ago but also the natural resources…

MMF: Announce the new police chief

Malaita Ma’asina Forum (MMF) is calling on the government to quickly announce the new Police Chief. The call came following reports the name of the new police chief has already been submitted to the Office of the Prime Minister for its final say. Forum President Charles Dausabea claimed people of this country are so excited…

Central big day

Central province will celebrate its second appointed day today. A number of activities have been planned for the day. Acting provincial police commander John Sara told the Solomon Star last week that the celebration will be held at the provincial capital Tulagi. His officers will be part of the event by conduct a parade. Since…

PM: Melanesia the powerhouse of Pacific

PRIME Minister Peter O’Neill has hailed the Melanesian nations as the economic powerhouse of the Pacific. He told a special Melanesian Spearhead Group leaders’ summit in Port Moresby on Wednesday night that “together our region comprises the landmass, bigger population, immense bio-diversity as well as greater economic activity and growth”. “We are at the forefront…

Sofu in Korea

Minister for public service Stanley Sofu along with his permanent secretary attended the 2014 UN Public Service Forum in Seoul, South Korea last week. The forum gives an opportunity for public service ministers from Europe, Latin America, Africa, Asia, Caribbean and the pacific with their official and international experts  and practitioners to discuss and exchange…

Curiosity led him on

HE describes himself as one who is shy and reserved. You would not have suspected it if you were at his presentation at the University of the South Pacific last week where the topic has been something of interest to him since he was a boy. Lekima Copeland is freshwater ichthyologist at the USP’s Institute…

Fijians in high spirit at arts festival

THE Fiji delegation led the march for the official opening ceremony of the 5th Melanesian Arts and Culture Festival in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea on Saturday. A statement from the Ministry of Information reported that the delegation marched for more than five kilometres from the festival arts village to Sir John Guise stadium. Permanent…

Global tuna fisheries show significant progress, says ISSF

The International Seafood Sustainability Foundation (ISSF) has released its annual report, which outlines the organization’s goals and achievements in 2013 and highlights its ongoing commitment to the continuous improvement of global tuna fisheries through collaboration and advocacy. The report, Enabling Sustainability through Engagement and Advocacy, also emphasizes efforts to encourage industry engagement, including efforts by…

New technology for monitoring Pacific Island tuna fisheries

New technology for monitoring catches of vessels fishing in Pacific Island waters is being tested on two large Chinese Taipei flagged tuna longliners. The vessels were fitted with video electronic monitoring systems in early March before fishing in the Solomon Islands EEZ (exclusive economic zone) for a trip of almost 80 days. The electronic monitoring…