News

Australia supports specialist training

The Australian Border Force (ABF) has delivered specialist aviation training to Solomon Islands Customs, Immigration, Biosecurity and Police on conducting effective and efficient enforcement operations across the aviation environment. The five-day course focused on elements critical to border aviation operations including passenger risk assessment and pre-border targeting, interviewing, baggage examinations, evidence handling, border intelligence, indicators…

Australia says applications for project support opens

The Australian High Commission has opened a new round of project the Solomon Islands – Australia Community Partnerships. The Solomon Islands-Australia Community Partnerships support community-led projects to improve living standards through small-scale projects like staff houses, toilet blocks, water tanks, solar power, and community halls. Community Partnerships funding is available to community groups across Solomon…

Travellers want larger passenger vessels to serve Honiara-Auki route

REGULAR sea travellers are calling on the Malaita Provincial Government to encourage more larger passenger vessels to service the Honiara–Auki route. The appeal follows growing frustration over the limited capacity of the two fast craft currently serving the route – Pelican and MV Auki Express, which are reportedly struggling to meet the increasing passenger demand due…

SEZ ACT 2025 NOW EFFECTIVE

THE Minister for Commerce, Industry, Labor and Immigration Trevor Hedley Manemahaga has officially declared the commencement of the effectiveness of the Special Economic Zone (SEZ) Act 2025 on Friday 1 August. This landmark legislation aims to boost industrial growth, attract foreign investment, and create numerous employment opportunities in the country. The Act will enable the…

SIC acquits 2024 CDF expenditure in compliance with CDF Act

THE Shortland Islands Constituency (SIC) on Friday 1 August acquitted its 2024 Constituency Development Funds (CDF) expenditure. SIC Development Officer Bernard Vave submitted the financial report on the constituency office’s expenditure of the 2024 CDF the Ministry of Rural Development (MRD) in compliance with the CDF Act 2023.  This decisive act underscores the constituency’s commitment to transparency, accountability and responsible management of…