Dear Editor – Following the national General Election on 3 April 2019 there are said to be moves in hand for a coalition grouping to form the new Solomon Islands government. Whatever the make-up of the new administration there are several serious challenges to be tackled and I have already outlined the urgency of work…
Dear Editor – In the Solomon Islands betel nut is grown locally and the selling of betel nuts provides an essential source of income for many households. Often, betel nut sellers, who are outside the formal economy, have few other economic alternatives to generate income. Money from betel nut sales often goes towards school fees…
THE Chief Electoral Officer, Mose Saitala, announced on Tuesday’s paper that the Governor General will make the Proclamation/Announcement of the date of election on the 5th of February 2019. There is now a flurry of activities and a buzz in the voters of this country, political parties intending to contest the elections, supporters, and oppositions…
TRANSPARENCY Solomon Islands is deeply concerned that the Traditional Governance and Customs Facilitation Bill 2018 is currently in its second reading before the Parliament. When the Traditional Governance and Customs Facilitation Bill wasfirst introduced a few months ago, there was ahuge outcry from the public opposing this Bill and the shallow policy or no policy…
OVER the last two years, I have had the pleasure of meeting many Solomon Islanders during my travels outside Honiara. Approximately 80 per cent of Solomon Islanders live in rural areas, making Solomon Islands a “country of villages”. I am always impressed by the resilience of these villages. Many people in Solomon Islands, particularly those…
MANY Solomon Islanders and even the court have been led by hired QC lawyers of APID to believe that APID mining lease of West Rennell has merit; but where did that merit comes from? If the merit of APID mining lease comes from some politicians in the Government Executive that manipulate the administrative system to…
Dear Editor – To add to the letter of mine you published in your newspaper last week on the same subject, I should like to mention that in recent days the Fiji Police seized more cocaine with an estimated value of about $US15 million from an island in the Lau group. It was reported in…
Dear Editor – This is a common sentiment often advertised during election periods that advocate the roles of elected members of parliament. The major roles and obligation of MPs voted into parliament is to make appropriated legislations that helped address common issues that affect the lives of the people in the nation. They represent the…
THE 6th Melanesian Arts and Cultural Festival (MACFest) ended in spectacular fashion on Tuesday night. Despite some hiccups, the 10-day event was a resounding success. We thank the local organising committee for putting on such a show. It’s an event to be remembered in years to come. We wish our Melanesian brothers and sisters safe…
Dear Editor – I was one of the year 2017 recruited teachers who teach under Choiseul Education Authority as probationer until to date. As a probationer teacher, it is very important to have consultation with Education Authority (EA) such as Chief education officer to endow with further information about why he extended my probationer for…