MHMS scandal trial deferred to Mar 10 

TRIAL of four former Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) workers charged in connection to the $10 million scandal that occurred in the ministry from 2012 to 2013 has been deferred to start on March 10. The accused, which include the former financial controller Stephen Dalipanda, former Senior Accountant Randy Hatigeva, former Procurement Officer…

UK envoy defends bilateral assistance to SI

THE British High Commissioner to Solomon Islands (SI) and Nauru has defended the United Kingdom [UK’s] bilateral assistance to Solomon Islands, stating that whilst its direct funding is limited, the UK contributes significantly through multilateral channels. Paul Turner’s remarks come in response to concerns that British government investments in Solomon Islands have been primarily focused…

First Protected Area in MUP launched

THE Pamahima tribal community, the National and Makira-Ulawa Provincial Government (MUPG), Food and Agriculture Organisation’s (FAO’s) Integrated Forest Management Project (IFMP), Ecological Solution Foundation (ESF) and partners convened on February 27 to celebrate the launch and the declaration of the Pamahima Tribal Forest Protected Area (PTFPA) in Arohane Village in Central Makira. This is the…

Nutrition program for RSIPF rolled out

THE Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) and Australian Federal Police (AFP) Policing Partnership Program (RAPPP) is rolling out a Nutritional Advice & Incentivisation Program for RSIPF officers. This new initiative, which commenced in February, was put together by the RAPPP’s Health, Wellbeing and Community Engagement Team (HWCE) and the RSIPF Gym to promote healthy…

Central Guadalcanal constituents praise MP Agovaka

CENTRAL Guadalcanal constituents have acknowledged their Member of Parliament, Peter Shanel Agovaka for his continued support for the constituency. Chairman of Guadalcanal Constituency Committee, Michael Kelly made the acknowledgment during the official handover of housing project materials for three designated zones within the constituency last week.  Mr Kelly said the constituency under the leadership of…

Ground-breaking ceremony for Auki road today

The ground-breaking ceremony for the Auki Road Network Rehabilitation Project is taking place this morning at the Auki Primary School Field, Malaita. This ceremony marks a significant milestone in the infrastructure development of Malaita Province. Funded by the People’s Republic of China (PRC), this project represents a key component of the comprehensive strategic partnership between…

TC Alfred disrupts Solomon Airlines flights 

NATIONAL carrier Solomon Airlines is cancelling its scheduled international flights from Honiara to Brisbane today and from Brisbane to Santo and Port Vila, Vanuatu tomorrow. This is due to risks associated with the adverse weather condition brought about by Tropical Cyclone (TC) Alfred which formed out of Solomon Islands last week. Airbus A320 normally operates…