SI signs visa exemption deal with Saudi Arabia

SOLOMON Islands has signed a ‘Mutual Exemption of Short-Stay Visa Requirements Agreement’ with Saudi Arabia this week. This is part of the spirit of Solomon Islands- Saudi Arabian friendship demonstrating genuine serious partnership of the decade old diplomatic relations. The signing of the ‘Mutual Exemption of Short-Stay Visa Requirements Agreement’, was described as a ‘landmark transformation’…

Crucial roles played by USP highlighted   

THE University of the South Pacific (USP) is playing a crucial role towards mitigating the effects of climate change in the region and the promotion of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs) and advancement of women in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM). This was highlighted by the USP Vice Chancellor Professor Pal Ahwalia…

CAPSA project ready to roll 

THE Office of the Auditor General (OAG) and the Solomon Islands National Statistics Office (SINSO) are ready to implement their projects. They will implement the Capacity in Statistics and Audit (CAPSA) Project and its two sub-component projects namely the Household Income and Expenditure Survey (HIES) 2024-25 and the National Economic Establishment Census (NEEC) 2024. The…

Delay in Bonale pineapple factory queried

The long delay in the implementation of the proposed Bonale Pineapple Factory in Malaita Province has raised questions and concerns among those eagerly awaiting progress on this crucial development. The Bonale Pineapple Mill Project is set to be located in West Kwaio, Malaita Province, and is a national government initiative.  Multiple ministries, including Commerce, Industry,…

MPG redirects land for fishery complex

THE Malaita Provincial Government (MPG) has redirected land originally earmarked for a proposed tourist complex to construct a new fishery office in Auki.  This decision was taken by the provincial government’s Executive to facilitate the development of the fishery office as part of preparations for the Bina Harbour project in Malaita. However, this move has…

Longamei denies wrong doings

OWNER of Kubonitu Holding Ltd, Duddley Longamei has denied any wrong doing when receiving $2.5 million under the Economic Stimulus Package to export kava overseas. Longamei was responding to a case study in the newly released audit report in the $309 million ESP. David Dennis from the Auditor General office released the report last week.…