8 VILLAGERS QUARANTINED

ANOTHER eight people have been quarantined at Gizo, Western Province, authorities say. The eight are villagers from Vella La Vella island. Deputy Provincial Secretary, Western Province, Patrick Toiraena said the action was taken after the eight returned from neighbouring Bougainville in Papua New Guinea. “They went across to Bougainville by way of a permit granted…

MUP wants to hold Kira Kira land titles 

THE new Makira Ulawa Provincial Government says it wants to hold the titles of all Government lands in Kira Kira, the provincial capital. The Makira Ulawa Province’s Deputy Premier Joe Takeli revealed the intention at a recent meeting he had in Kira Kira with the new executive of the Makira Ulawa Football Association. He responded…

SICTU weighs in on SINU saga

SOLOMON Islands Council of Trade Unions (SICTU) will meet in Honiara today to discuss the current staff dispute at the Solomon Islands National University (SINU). Staff at SINU are demanding the removal of vice-chancellor Fijian Dr. Ganesh Chand. SICTU president David Tuhanuku said the SINU saga will be the main agenda of today’s meeting. “All…

Securities at NZ High Com residence demand PPE

SECURITY personnel manning the New Zealand High Commission residential premises at Panatina Ridge (Tanakake) that currently houses seven New Zealand expatriates on self-quarantine are demanding PPE (Personal Protective  Equipment) from responsible authorities. Liberty Protection Services provides security personnel on a 24-hour shift with three officers per shift. Speaking to this paper, a group of security…

Ports postpone maritime summit

SOLOMON Ports has postponed the 45th Pacific Maritime Transport Alliance Conference it was supposed to host this year to 2021. The decision, Solomon Ports says, was due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The conference was earlier scheduled to be held this month. But with our international borders remaining close and travel restrictions in place, this was…

Waimapuru faces food shortages

THE state-owned Waimapuru National Secondary School in West Bauro of Makira, Makira Ulawa Province will likely face food shortages as African snails are infesting its food crops and vegetables. The school’s chief cook Margaret Suzie said in Kira Kira, the provincial capital that the African snails are also feeding on the school’s fruit trees like…

DBSI clarifies statement 

DEVELOPMENT Bank of Solomon Islands (DBSI) says there are different types of loans that the public can access. DBSI Interim Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Tukana Borovo highlighted this yesterday when clarifying a statement made by a local farmer carried by this paper in its 18th June 2020 issue.  Mr. Borovo said that in the article,…

Tina trains locals on money matters

WHILE the Tina River Hydropower Development Project itself is set to create cheaper, more reliable energy for Solomon Islanders, local communities will also benefit through community development funds, employment opportunities, and training.  A three-day workshop called “You and Your Money Towards Better Living” which was held last week, provided participants practical training to help build…