2017 target date for digital T.V

Television in Samoa could be going digital by 2017. That’s one of the predictions from a regionally backed workshop that is looking at implications of phasing out analog broadcast signal in the next three years.  Regulator Donnie De Freitas said “digital television is coming to Samoa”.  “Or rather,” he added “it’s here.”  He was referring…

Air New Zealand buys 13 new Airbus A320s

Air New Zealand has signed a deal to purchase 13 next generation Airbus A320s in a move that will cut its fuel use by up to 15 per cent on its trans-Tasman and Pacific Islands flights. The aircraft, with a list price of $NZ1.6 billion, will replace its current fleet of 13 international short-haul A320s.…

Samoa Trade with Tonga talked up

Samoa and Tonga are looking at forging closer economic ties with a delegation from the Kingdom in country to hash out details for a bilateral free trade agreement. The Tongan multi-sector delegation, led by the country’s Minister of Agriculture and Food, Forests and Fisheries, Sione Sangster Saulala, met with both government Ministries and private sector…

PacerPlus trade deal still relevant for the Pacific – Mason

Negotiations for the long running PACERPLUS agreement may be concluded by the end of the year. That’s according to Parliamentary Secretary for Foreign Affairs, Brett Mason who represented Australia at the Forum Trade Ministers Meeting in Kiribati.  Opinion remains divided over the benefits PACERPLUS may bring to the Pacific.  Senator Mason is firmly of the…

Call to uphold cultural values

The Isabel house of chief appeals to all Isabel people to maintain their culture and traditional custom values. The call was made for the second time for this year by the Isabel deputy paramount chief Ambrose H. Bugotu during the celebration of the Isabel second appointed day in Honiara yesterday. He first made the call…

Isabel Honiara residents celebrate day

The Isabel community residing in Honiara came out in numbers yesterday to celebrate the Isabel 30th second appointed day in style at the national art gallery. The celebration coincided with similar celebration held in Buala yesterday. The occasion in Honiara was attended by honourable Nelson Kile, a member of provincial Assembly, and the deputy paramount…

WHERES THE PROMISE?

Unhappy Temotu premier asks Prime Minister about development plans The Temotu provincial government yesterday expressed its unhappiness to the government for its failure to stand by its promise. Premier Fr Brown Beu speaking in an interview with the Solomon Star accused Prime Minister (PM) Gordon Darcy Lilo for failing to carry out most of the…

Patrol boat’s beche-de-mer trip queried

The use of country’s patrol boat to confiscate the two ton beche-de-mer on Ontong Java on October last year has been questioned. It was unclear who has met the cost and for what reason had the patrol boat being used. According to the director of Maritime Russell Tagin the operation was one of its quarterly…

Aligegeo school receives the tools

Lenard Leni from Aligegeo provincial secondary school agriculture department has thanked Solomon Islands and New Zealand government for the provision of agricultural materials. The materials were received last week.The secondary school is the only one dealing with cattle farming for the students. And he was grateful for the assistance which boost the industry and the…