PM meets with QLD govt, farmers body

As part of his first official visit to Australia last week, the Prime Minister met with the Queensland Farmer’s Federation and Growcom in Brisbane on Thursday 17th August. This was to discuss avenues to increase the participation of Solomon Islands Seasonal Workers in Queensland farms. A statement from Prime Minister Press Secretariat said, the meeting…

GET READY TO PAY MORE

THE GOVERNMENT has imposed further tax charges on cigarette products as part of controlling smoking in the country. Permanent Secretary (PS) for Ministry of Finance and Treasury (MoFT) Harry Kuma revealed this when he appeared before the Parliamentary Public Accounts Committee (PAC) on Friday. He said government has increased the tax duty for cigarettes and…

PACHA IS NEW DEPUTY SPEAKER

THE Member of Parliament for South Guadalcanal David Dei Pacha is the new Deputy Speaker of Parliament. Pacha was elected unopposed to the post when Parliament resumed on Monday. Pacha and the Member of Parliament for East Fataleka Steve Abana were the two nominees for the position but the latter withdrew his candidacy yesterday morning…

Low turn out at Caucus

Only 17 government ministers and backbenchers attended an urgent Caucus meeting called for on Sunday to ascertain the support of the Democratic Coalition for Change Government (DCCG) for the leadership of Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare, Caucus insiders revealed. The meeting was convened amidst reports that 29 Members of Parliament including government ministers and backbenchers have…

GOVERNMENT FILLS THREE PERMANENT SECRETARY POSTS

The Government through the Public Service Commission has filled three vacant Permanent Secretary Positions for three Ministries Friday last week (August18). Among the three appointments, one is a female who has recently completed a Masters in Development Policy (International & Sustainable Development). Ms Karen Barimata Galokale has been appointed as the new PS for the…

THREE DEAD, FIVE SURVIVED

In a sea tragedy in East Fataleka, Malaita Three persons have reportedly died at sea in north east Malaita after the boat they were travelling in capsized in rough seas on Saturday afternoon. Amongst the deceased are one woman, one elderly man and one middle aged man. The group returned after mourning the death of…

The workings of the outgrowers scheme

Kautoga Corporative Society Limited (KCSL) is the largest Oil Palm Out-grower in Guadalcanal. It was established in 1981 under the country’s cooperative Act. The locally owned Agriculture business is one of three out-growers in north east Guadalcanal that has expanded its operation and is providing employment for members. Five tribes are represented in the society…