THE ability of the domestic industry to compete in the southern long-line albacore fishery has hit the point of no return. Tying-up vessels and sending employees home is now the reality that is faced by the Pacific Islands Tuna Industry Association (PITIA) members that have an interest in this fishery. Scientists have warned for…
A mission to educate pacific islanders and discourage them from using genetic modified organism (GMO) seeds to grow on their farms for food and sales is currently underway. A Noumea based non-government organisation (NGO) in New Caledonia called ‘Stop MGO Pacifique’ is visiting parts of the pacific to collect data and information on GMO in…
Twenty five years ago something wonderful happened for children of every nation and generation with the launch of the Convention on the Rights of the Child. 193 countries –including every country in the Pacific — have acceded to the Convention on the Rights of the Child, making it the most agreed global Convention in history.…
Women in government or representation of women in Parliament are often quite hard for many to accept in this country, however since the national general election is just around the corner, it is the right time to give it a focus again. All alone, it seems that Solomon Islands government remained unconvinced of the need…
Once, I was on a trip to tour a high school with some fellow teachers. We had driven all day and were tired. When we finally got to the motel, I went to my room and took a nap, but since I’m a night owl, I was wide awake again that night. However, the guy…
Manedika: We are now living out the legacy our founder left behind. It’s hard to imagine Solomon Islands Development Trust (SIDT) moving forward without the presence and guidance of its late founder Dr John Roughan. But three months on after Roughan’s passing last October, SIDT director Longden Manedika said they are now living out the…
Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver, most commonly caused by a viral infection. There are five main hepatitis viruses, referred to as types A, B, C, D and E. These five types are of greatest concern because of the burden of illness and death they cause and the potential for outbreaks and epidemic spread.…
A: Hepatitis B is caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV). The virus interferes with the functions of the liver and activates the immune system, which produces a specific reaction to combat the virus. As a consequence of pathological damage, the liver becomes inflamed. A small percentage of infected people cannot get rid of the…
The group of viruses (hepatitis A, B, C, D and E) that cause acute and/or chronic infection and inflammation of the liver gives rise to a major public health problem globally. Hepatitis B and C viruses are major causes of severe illness and death. The global burden of disease due to acute hepatitis B and…
“DUSK is here, I need my lights on.” The voice was frail and soft. No one was nearby to hear the delicate call. She could not raise her voice no-more. Ellen was in her late 60s and current technology was obviously new for an old lady. Ellen had been using a wee solar panel set…