WORRY OVER WITHDRAWAL

PAC expresses ‘worry’ as AusAid withdraws from NTF soon   THE Australian High Commission Head of Mission Sally-Anne Vincent has announced the imminent withdrawal of their financial support to the National Transport Fund (NTF). The announcement was made when the Australian High Commission team appeared before the Public Accounts Commission (PAC) on the 2021 Appropriation…

‘DEAD MONEY’

Govt faces budget shortfall of $300million   CENTRAL Bank of Solomon Islands (CBSI) Governor Dr. Luke Forau says this year’s budget is expected to hit a deficit of around $300million. He told the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) during the inquiry into the 2021 Appropriation Bill 2021 yesterday. He added that with the current revenue flow…

Vaccine roll-out set

PRIME Minister (PM) Manasseh Sogavare has announced the first roll-out of the vaccine will start immediately tomorrow after the launching of the vaccine program at the Central Field Hospital. Speaking in his weekly nationwide address on Monday, PM Soavare said the vaccination will commence straight after the official launch of the vaccinate program tomorrow. PM said…

In court with Assumpta

* Fake scholarship case, Tuesday* Man who sets fire to house jailed Fake scholarship case, Tuesday   MITIGATION and sentencing submissions on the case of the man who obtained $2,000 from a woman for a scholarship award last year will be made in the Honiara Magistrate’s Court on Tuesda y. John Folia had pleaded guilty to one count…

CBSI on economic recovery

THE Governor of the Central Bank of Solomon Islands (CBSI) Dr. Luke Forau says this year is the recovery phase of our economy and the country needs to get the economic fundamental rights. He made this sentiment in a serious tone to the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) Inquiry on the 2021 Appropriation Bill 2021. Interestingly,…

Ngati, Abae trial, March 30

The trial on the case of the two Honiara City Councilors accused of intimidating Honiara City Clerk (HCC) Rence Sore at the council’s headquarters last June will commence on March 30. Vavaya Ward Councilor Billy Abae and Vura Ward Councillor Reginald Ngati are facing one count each of intimidation. The trial was listed to start on…

Boost for Gizo food vendors 

GIZO food vendors in Western Province have been provided with new gazebos (tent) and umbrellas to use while selling their food products. The new gazebos and umbrellas are being placed at the front sea deck of the Gizo market allowed the food vendors to sell their food items to customers. The umbrellas and tents were donated…

HIR-BNR flights for April

National flag carrier Solomon Airlines will continue to be able to operate its Friday weekly service in April. This followed approval by the Australian Government, a statement from Solomon Airlines has confirmed. This means that passenger seats are now available for sale from Honiara to Brisbane during the month of April 2021. Flight IE700 will…