Nihopara clarifies MACFest concerns

ALL Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) member countries have been invited to participate at this year’s festival in Honiara. That’s according to the 6th Melanesian Arts and Cultural Festival (MACFest) National Organising Committee. Committee chair and Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Andrew Nihopara, made the clarification amidst concerns and sentiments raised by…

GOV’T SACKS MEWA

Tanangada likely to be given ministerial role By IAN M. KAUKUI GOVERNMENT has sacked its Home Affairs minister Commins Mewa, and abruptly replaced him with the MP for East Central Guadalcanal Constituency Ishmael Avui. Mr Avui, who until the weekend was Minister for National Unity, Reconciliation and Peace (MNURP), was sworn in as the new…

Auki buildings fails standard

MALAITA Provincial government’s Minister for Lands and Planning, Mr. Martin Fini says most buildings constructed in Auki town fail to meet the Auki town country planning board’s development plan. He said not only that but also the developers failed to meet the legal processes of acquiring land in Auki, before constructing buildings. He stated this…

Gina proposes key reform

The newly elected Premier of the Western Province has proposed a number of reforms especially in the revenue sector so the Province can collect much needed funds to help facilitate the level of services which at present appear as having little effect in the rural villages. Speaking  to journalists at the side lines at a …

FESTIVAL ANGER

·        West Papua activists stopped by police·        Police clarifies incident, action By RONALD TOITO’ONA   THE issue of West Papua was under spotlight at the 6th MACFest in Honiara, when West Papua activists were told by the police to halt raising the Morning Star flag at the festival venue. Local outspoken West Papua activist Ben…

‘Stay away from chemical site’  

    THE community of Tuvaruhu in central Honiara are strongly advised to stay away from the cordoned area where the dumped toxic chemicals were found. Police Commissioner Matthew Varley issued the warning as police and environmental officers moved in to remove the chemicals.  “Your cooperation and support is really important,” Mr Varley said. He…

Garo receives awards

THE United States (US) Ambassador to Solomon Islands Her Excellency, Catherine Ebert Gray, officially presented the 2018 Ambassador’s Women of Courage Award to Emma Garo. In her award presentation speech, the Ambassador said in 2007 the Secretary of State; Ms. Condelesca Rice initiated the Women of Courage Award to honour women who had performed outstanding…