Sikaiana faces risk from climate change

SIKAIANA Atoll in the Malaita Outer Islands (MOI) in Malaita Province is facing imminent threats from climate change. A chief from Sikaiana, Leonard Semaru told the Solomon Star from Sikaiana over the weekend that people are on the island are living in fear amidst ongoing sea-level rise, which is affecting their daily survival. Chief Semaru…

MAL to support farmers

THE Minister for Agriculture & Livestock (MAL) and Member of Parliament (MP) for East Makira, Franklyn Derek Wasi says the ministry is looking at supporting farmers to expand agricultural productions of spices and root crops to export directly to China.  The minister highlighted this in his keynote address to the people of Makira-Ulawa Province living…

GP establishes statehood gov’t office

The Guadalcanal Province (GP) through the Provincial Assembly has officially established a ‘State Government Office’ as part of its plan to transition into a state government by 2026.  This significant move was announced by Guadalcanal Premier Willie Atu during the celebration of Guadalcanal Province’s 40th Second Appointed Day at DC Park in Central Guadalcanal Constituency…

FFA marks 45 years of regional cooperation

The Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA) marked its 45th anniversary on Friday, celebrating decades of successful regional cooperation dedicated to the sustainable management of tuna fisheries in the Pacific.  Founded on 9th August 1979, the FFA has grown to become the premier fisheries advisory body in the Pacific region with a mission to strengthen…

Petition against East Honiara MP withdrawn

THE High Court has withdrawn the petition filed against Morris Toiraena, Member of Parliament for East Honiara. This decision followed an application filed by the petitioner, Peter Bubulu, and his lawyer Billy Titiulu, who sought to withdraw the petition due to insufficient evidence. Mr Bubulu, one of the candidates in the national joint elections in…

Pathway to fiscal sustainability

The economic outlook is challenging the fiscal position A CONSULTANT to the Asian Development Bank (ADB) working in Solomon Islands at the request of Ministry of Finance and Treasury, Dr Kirdan Lees says a wedge is opening between declining revenue and spending that continues to grow. He said fiscal consolidation is needed now to arrest…