THE European Union (EU) is exploring ways to enhance trade and business links with the Pacific, the EU Ambassador to the Pacific Barbara Plinkert says. “On economic cooperation, we are exploring ways to further enhance trade and business links with the Pacific Island Countries, notably through the economic partnership agreement with the EU. “We believe…
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…
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…
LEADER of Opposition Matthew Wale has lashed out at the government following reports of lack of commitment in supporting our law enforcement agencies. MP Wale made this statement in response to a media report that quoted the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) Andrew Kelesi that his office does not have the finance to run trials.…
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…
THE hair-splitting task in separating mining activities from environmental issues is due to start in Honiara today as part of the consultation process on the Government’s proposed Environment Bill 2023. The meeting gets underway at the Heritage Park Hotel this morning. The Environment Bill 2023 is one of four pieces of proposed legislations expected to…
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 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…
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…
A TOTAL of 11 schools in Honiara are set to benefit from an USD400,000 Urban Water, Sanitation and Hygiene in Schools (WinS) initiative funded by the Asian Development Bank (ADB). The initiative to be implemented by Live and Learn Solomon Islands was launched in Honiara at a Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) workshop to introduce…