MAL minister in Nadi for meeting

The Minister for the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAL), Franklyn Derek Wasi, is in Nadi, Fiji attending the 2024 Pacific SIDS solutions forum. The forum is organized by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organizations (FAO) with the Fiji Government and is attended by pacific leaders, private investors from across the globe and high-level…

WAS PM ADEQUATELY BRIEFED? 

THE secret land deal, hatched by top advisors to the former Democratic Coalition Government for Advancement (DCGA) carried an element of surprise in the planned execution of the land-grab deal. It was intended to keep businessman Patrick Wong and the Levers Solomon Ltd (LSL) and Russell Islands Plantation Estates Ltd (RIPEL) in the dark until…

ADRA continues support cocoa farmers

THE Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) Solomon Islands is making significant strides in supporting local cocoa farmers in the rural Guadalcanal and Malaita.  With the backing of ADRA Australia, through the Soul Cocoa Livelihoods Project, the organization is dedicated to enhancing the livelihood of local communities through sustainable cocoa farming practices, from nurturing seedlings…

Gizo police station gets upgrade

THE Royal Solomon Islands Police Force’s (RSIPF’s) Western Provincial Police headquarters in Gizo is currently undergoing major upgrade works. The upgrade commenced more than a month ago and is making steady progress. The Gizo police are currently operating from a makeshift office as the upgrade works continue. Minister of Police, National Security and Correctional Services…

HAMMOCK BEACH EVICTION ORDER

The High Court Sheriff has received an order to evict Michael Hanikouna and his family from the perpetual estate at Kakabona, North West Guadalcanal, which includes Hammock Beach.  This follows Justice Howard Lawry’s ruling in favor of Hatanga Ltd’s application for default judgment on 18 March 2024. The claim was served to Hanikouna on 13…

SIG’s $90m alternative transaction 

Two companies holding a combined 75.1% share in Levers Solomons Limited (LSL) have voiced concerns about the proposed $90 million Alternative Transaction.  Orbis Commodities Pty Ltd (Orbis) indirectly owns 37.55% of LSL, while its joint venture partner, Overseas Shipping Trading and Investment Pty Ltd (OSTI), holds an additional 37.55%.  The remaining 24.9% of LSL is…