Solomon Islands Conservation Project wins "Equator Prize"

The Arnavon Community Marine Conservation Area Project in Solomon Islands is selected by the Equator Initiative’s Technical Advisory Committee as one of the 25 winners of the Equator Prize 2008, for providing a strong demonstration of the inventiveness of community-based work undertaken in the Pacific often against tremendous odds.

Besides Arnavon, another two Pacific NGOs that have been recognized globally for outstanding community marine conservation work include the Nguna-Pele Marine Protected Area of Vanuatu and the Conservation Society of Pohnpei, Federated States of Micronesia

The Equator Initiative is a partnership that brings together the United Nations, civil society, businesses, governments and communities to help build the capacity and raise the profile of grassroots people in an effort to reduce poverty through the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity.

Each winner will receive US$5,000 and a Certificate of Achievement to be presented at the Equator Prize Award Ceremony in Barcelona, Spain on 6th October, 2008.

As contenders, an additional US$15,000 will be awarded at the same event to five special recognized initiatives that represent the most outstanding community efforts to reduce poverty and conserve biodiversity in the equatorial belt.

The ceremony is part of the Equator Initiative’s participation in the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) World Conservation Congress taking place in Barcelona from October 6-10.

Source: Pacific Magazine

Solomons chief justice reconsiders Kemakeza sentence

The Solomon Islands Chief Justice Sir Albert Palmer will determine on Wednesday what sentence is appropriate for the Forestry Minister, Sir Allan Kemakeza, who has been convicted for his role in a raid.

Kemakeza was found guilty of ordering former militants to raid and seize vehicles of legal form Sol Law Limited in 2002.

The Office of the Director of Public Prosecution says his two-month prison sentence is inadequate because the principal offenders have been sentenced to between 25 to 30 months.

The Prosecution says an important point to take into account that Kemakeza was the Prime Minister when the offence was committed.

His lawyer argues that his client received double punishment because in addition to a jail sentence he was ordered to pay a fine.

Source: RNZI

Young entrepreneurs call on Solomon government for support

Young entrepreneurs called on the Solomon Islands government to support their goals and potential as business people.

Forty-five young people aged between 18 to 35 have spent the week in a workshop aiming to build their confidence and skills in retail and business.

The workshop was run by the Commonwealth Youth Programme South Pacific in association with UNDP's Pacific Centre and The Body Shop.

"It's been great to learn about the experiences of our Body Shop trainers and relate it back to our experiences and ways in the Solomons," said workshop participant and business woman Jessie Konofilia, who was one of the participant representatives.

"We now appeal to the government to support us - and any other young people - in using what we have learned. We can't do it without you," continued Ms Konofilia.

The aim of the five-day workshop is to strengthen the retail skills of young entrepreneurs and managers in the Solomon Islands. It is being conducted by consultant and business owner Mr Steve Cordeiro with the training support of managers from natural cosmetics and beauty chain The Body Shop, and with logistical support from CYP South Pacific and UNDP's Pacific Centre.

"This course has given us the tools of the trade to go out and realise out potential," said workshop participant and representative Mr Jim Rova. "We are agents of change."

Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce (SICCI) Program Coordinator, Mr Paul Amao last night showed SICCI's support for the group, announcing a new Young Entrepreneurs Sub-Committee to sit within the Chamber. The committee will be made up of a group from the workshop. The participants also received a year's free membership with SICCI.

Last night's ceremony also included a speech from Minister of Women, Youth and Children Honourable Peter Tom; and a showcase of the participant's retail skills.

Source: Solomon Times

Forty three candidates vie for two spots in Solomons Parliament

Forty three candidates have been nominated to contest two constituency bye-elections on September 23.

Twenty six candidates have been nominated to contest the East Honiara constituency while 17 for Lau/Mbaelelea.

Chief Electoral Officer John Babalu says candidates may withdraw their nomination by August 29 but their nomination fee will not be refunded.

LAU-MBAELELEA
1. Ben Foukona
2. Judson Lee Leafasia
3. John Meke
4. Toata Molea
5. Charles Ferania Sale
6. Luke Tome
7. Paul Maenu'u
8. Kelesi Robu
9. Francis Obea Kairi
10. William Ramo Garaema
11. Walter Folotalu
12. Ronald Unga
13. Allan Billy Arofoa
14. Philip Maebolo Jionesi
15. Robert Mark
16. Eric George Onga
17. Francis Makaa.

East Honiara
1. Jack Donga,
2. Collin Bentley Jr,
3. Silas Chekana
4. Damien James Teobasi
5. Wilfred Belo Fa'ari
6. Peterson Boso Jr,
7. Edward Jacob Ronia
8. Ellison Ryan Sade
9. Alfred Solomon Sasako
10. Simeon Bouro
11. David Dausabea
12. Ramon Quitales Jr
13. Moses Ramo
14. Timothy Omani
15. Joseph Baetolingia
16. Father John Ashley
17. Andrew Kuvu
18. Tagini Makario
19. George Manimu
20. Alfred Maetia
21. Yukio Sato
22. Delmah Lavina Nori
23. Kerry Wate
24. Milikada Miller Silas
25. Robert Gerea
26. Leslie Winston Kakai

Source: SIBC

"Welcome" and "Goodbye" signboards to be installed at North Malaita Constituency boundaries

Those who have been to other countries overseas, are well aware of this, but for North Malaita Constituency this would be another 'first of its kind' for the region at least on a constituency boundary scale.

By end of this year, the To'abaita Authority for Research & Development (TARD) youth volunteer will be installing "WELCOME" and "FAREWELL" signboards at the two borders of the North Malaita Constituency, particularly at Aero River near Fo'ondo in ward 7 and Taba'a River near Matakwalao in ward 9.

The four signboards are now signwritten and ready for installation, thanks to the generous financial support of a couple in the United Kingdom, who funded this new initiative in partnership with TARD.

The welcome and farewell signboards are written in both English and the To'abaita dialect.

This community initiative is aimed at restoring pride, community ownership and belongedness to the people that live within the Constituency. It is also anticipated to provide a different atmosphere for visitors to the constituency.

TARD to meet New Zealand organization Director today

The To'abaita Authority for Research & Development (TARD) Honiara committee members will be meeting the Director of Mahitahi Volunteer Organization, Christina Reymer, at the Holy Cross compound at 4.30pm today.

Mahitahi is the official Catholic volunteer agency which seeks New Zealanders to enter into project partnerships with the communities of Oceania through the sharing of their gifts and skills. They seek to recruit people with the appropriate expertise to work in jobs and projects alongside Pacific Island Partners, to assist them as they journey to achieving their goals.

TARD is working in partnership with Mahitahi and the Diocese of Malaita to facilitate two New Zealand based coaches/mentors for soccer and netball to spearhead a proposed 3-week 'North Malaita sports coaching workshop' to be convened by end of this year.

The sports mentroing workshop is expected to enhance capacity building and leadership skills among the rural sports clubs and schools sportsmasters & mistresses throughout North Malaita. The program will comprise three 1-week trainings at Malu'u, Bita'ama and Fo'ondo sports grounds.

TARD is also planning to facilitate future Mahitahi volunteers in other areas such as builders, small business trainers, nurses and medial professionals, and school teachers.

Pacific bank Governors call for donor assistance to deliver Financial Literacy

By Samantha Magick in Sydney

Pacific Island central bank governors and finance ministers told donor partners in Sydney yesterday that while there is a great need for better financial literacy in their countries, they need assistance to deliver it.

Deepening financial capacity in the Pacific Islands is the subject of a conference in Sydney this week.

Bank leaders have heard that teaching financial literacy — or giving people the skills to manage their money wisely — is central to this push as “what is good for individuals and households is generally good for the economy as well.”

Reserve Bank of Australia Assistant Governor Keith Hall says the cost of financial illiteracy is a far lower standard of living, while the benefits are a “more resilient financial system.”

The Director the IMF’s Office for Asia and the Pacific, Akira Ariyoshi says central banks in the Pacific Islands have a key role to play in delivering financial literacy, and that it can contribute to better understanding of the independence of the central bank, and the effectiveness and limits of economic policy.

However Governor of the Central Bank of Samoa, Leasi Papalii Tommy Scanlan says that while Pacific Island central banks understood the need and benefits of financial literacy in their communities, it is a challenge to find the resources to develop such programs, and that they would like the help of donors to do this.

Fiji’s Reserve Bank governor, Savenaca Narube says there should be public-private sector partnerships — for example with commercial banks — in delivering financial literacy programs.

Source: Pacific Magazine

Pacific's high unemployment promotes thriving criminal activities: Australian Report

By Samantha Magick in Sydney

A provocative new report from Australia says high unemployment in many Pacific Island nations means crime is the main source of informal-sector employment in the region.

“Robbery, protection rackets, prostitution, gambling, drug sales and associated arms-dealing and violence are thriving,” write Helen Hughes and Gaurav Sodhi of the Centre for Independent Studies (CIS) in their report, ‘The Bipolar Pacific.’

They say this criminal activity has attracted the wrong sort of international interest.

“The Pacific is developing its comparative advantage as a location for international criminal activities such as people-smuggling, drug production and arms trafficking.”

The authors believe the Pacific’s development since independence has been “bipolar”, as countries with strong links to France, New Zealand and the U.S. have “traded political independence for growth.” They write that, in contrast, the more populous Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Fiji, Nauru and Vanuatu have struggled, and in some cases gone backwards.

Hughes and Sodhi say this discrepancy is reflected in education standards — “the Pacific is sharply divided between islands that are functionally literate and those that remain basically illiterate” — and health, where slow-growing islands continue to see ailments associated with “poor and crowded housing” and “dire” medical services.

The CIS report claims the principal effect of aid to the Pacific has been to “avoid the adoption of policies necessary for growth.”

The ‘Bipolar Pacific’ says seasonal labor migration programs, such as that just announced by the Australian government, are of limited benefit.

“(These schemes will) no doubt benefit the individuals lucky enough to be selected to participate. But even the high guest-worker numbers ...would not help the employment problems of PNG, Fiji and the Solomon Islands.”

They say the solution lies in new land tenure regimes and agricultural policies that increase the productivity of land.”

“The Pacific can only avoid looming economic, social and political crises if its large economies dramatically reform their policies to encourage substantial employment creating growth.”

Otherwise, Hughes and Sodhi warn, “it is only a matter of time before the growing army of unemployed and underemployed turns from restless to violent.”

Source: Pacific Magazine

Solomons PM announces an award of the Cross of Solomon Islands to honour late Greg Urwin

Solomon Islands prime minister Dr Derek Sikua announced at the Leaders' retreat in Niue that a "Cross of Solomon Islands" will be posthumously awarded to late Greg Urwin, the former Secretary General of the Forum Secretary who passed away on 9th August after several months of illness, in recognition of his outstanding contribution to RAMSI.

The Cross of Solomon Islands is the highest civilian award in Solomon Islands. This is in recognition of the late Urwin’s efforts in the Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands (RAMSI).

At the Leaders’ retreat, Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd also offred to fund the establishment, through the Forum, of five Annual Leadership Awards, to be awarded by the Forum, its Chair and the Secretariat, in the name of Greg Urwin.

In the final Communique issued at the end of the Leaders’ retreat they acknowledged the late Mr Urwin’s commitment and outstanding contribution to the political, economic and social development of the Pacific region.

Source: PIFS

Pacific Islands Forum chooses new Secretary General

Pacific Islands Forum leaders have chosen Tuiloma Neroni Slade of Samoa as the Secretary General for a three-year term.

Tuiloma, who has been a judge at the International Criminal Court in the Netherlands, was one of three candidates trying to succeed Greg Urwin of Australia who died earlier this month.

Tuiloma was also a candidate in 1997.

His appointment was announced in the communique released at the end of the Niue summit.

While the bulk of that report is taken up with the condemnation of the Fiji interim government and the threat of suspension from the agency, the leaders have also agreed to push for rugby as an Olympic sport.

There was a commitment by New Zealand to bring in experts to try and progress the push to buy fuel in bulk for the small island countries.

Australia’s signing of the Kyoto agreement was welcomed along with their offer of 135million US dollars for a Climate Change Adaptation Programme with the bulk of that money to be spent in the Pacific.

Source: RNZI

Malaita Province's political row resolved: Premier Irosaea

Malaita Premier Richard Na'amo Irosaea says he has re-gained the support of the majority of the Provincial Assembly members.

He told SIBC News that of the 16 members whose names appear in the Solomon Star newspaper yesterday, most of them have re-joined his government.

Premier Irosaea says those who were forced to resign under duress have re-joined, except five executive members who have been replaced with new provincial ministers.

"The members that have resigned and replaced are: Jim Manewai, Robert Madeo, Willie Isui, Isaac Houiata and Honourable John De'ohu. The other who resigned under duress, as soon as the resignation letters were delivered to me, they came and told me to ignore the letters."

Premier Irosaea thanks those who have prayed for the situation to ensure a stable political situation in the Province.

Mr Irosaea says he appeals to the provincial assembly members to cooperate to help develop Malaita.

Meanwhile, the Auki-based Government Communications Unit Officer, Brian Wanga reports that the five executive members who resigned have been replaced.

He says the five members are the same one's that tried to oust Premier Irosaea in a motion of no confidence in February this year.

Mr Wanga says the Premier has appoint new members to replace those who resigned.

"Robert Madeo of Buma was replaced by Fraza Bulesau of Radefasu/Kwaimela as the new Minister of Lands and Housing. Willie Isui of West Baegu and Fataleka was replaced by Ronnie Mae, who is now the new Minister for Works. Isaac Houiata of Tae Ward has been replaced by the new Minister for Health, Paul Ina Leong of Auki. Jim Manewai of Mareho, West Are'Are was replaced by Philip Taloinao of Fo'ondo and John De'ohu was replaced by Erickson Otia of Fauabu."

Source: SIBC

Solomon Islander to join World Bank in Washington DC

After twenty five years of service to the Central Bank of Solomon Islands, Governor Rick Hou is leaving the bank to take up a post with the World Bank in Washington DC.

The bank yesterday hosted a function in honour of its longest serving Governor.

In his farewell speech, Rick Hou said his appointment was another opportunity to serve his country.

“This does not change our perspective and sense of duty. Once again, this is a tremendous opportunity to serve my God and my country. Only the institution and the home base will change. I am therefore, looking forward to an exciting challenge.”

The Minister of Finance, Snyder Rini said Mr Hou will make the country proud to have a son in such an organization.

He thanked Rick Hou for his long service to the bank and country and wished him well.

Source: RNZI

Solomon delegation to PNG in an effort to promote investment opportunities

The Solomon Islands government, with the assistance of its High Commission Trade Commission office in Papua New Guinea, will be organising a one-week investment mission in Port Moresby, from Aug 25-29.

The visit will coincide with a one-day investment seminar to be held at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Port Moresby on Aug 27.

Solomon Islands High Commissioner to Papua New Guinea, Bernard Bata’anisia, confirmed that the investment mission is to raise awareness in the PNG business sector on investment opportunities in Solomon Islands and will also advance trade and investment links between PNG and the Solomon Islands while taking advantage of the potentials under the MSG Trade Agreement.

The seminar will highlight the policies and incentives offered by the Solomon Islands government for foreign investors and the difficulties and challenges faced in investing in the country.

The role of the Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands (RAMSI) in providing a safe and secure environment for business operation as well as the success of PNG companies already operating in Solomon Islands will also be discussed.

The delegation will be led by Commerce, Industries and Employment Minister Francis Billy Hilly and senior officials from the Foreign Investment Division and the Solomon Islands government.

High Commissioner Bernard Bata’anisia added that while in Port Moresby, the delegation is expected to visit the Minister of Commerce and Industry as well as the managing director of the Investment Promotion Authority of Papua New Guinea (IPA).

They will visit industrial sites in Port Moresby before they return to Solomon Islands.

Source: The National

Fiji's boycott of Forum Meeting unnecessary: Sir Allan Kemakeza

Former Solomon Islands prime minister Sir Allan Kemakeza says Fiji's boycott of the Pacific Islands Forum is not in the best interest of the region.

Interim Prime Minister Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama yesterday announced no Fiji delegation will be attending the Leaders summit in Niue today, blaming a New Zealand decision to prevent the delegation from attending post-forum talks in Auckland.

Tvnz.co.nz reports, last year Solomon Islands boycotted the forum because it was unhappy with a review of the Australian-led Regional Assistance Mission.

Sir Allan, now forestry minister in the Sikua government, said all Pacific Islands leaders should attend this week's meeting in Niue.

"In my view that is not the best interest of the region, especially for Fiji and the Solomon Islands," he says.

Previous forum meetings had allowed him to stabilise unrest in the Solomon Islands, he said.

"That (forum) would the best venue for the leaders to sort out their differences and also to sort out their countries' differences ... especially Fiji and Solomon Islands."

Source: Fiji Times

Eight Solomon Islanders receive Taiwan scholarships

By Joy Basi

The Embassy of Taiwan has awarded eight Solomon Islanders scholarships to study in Taiwan.

A handing over ceremony will occur today at the Ministry of Education and Human Resources, where the scholarships will be officially awarded to the Ministry of Education and the students.

This has been the 7th year Taiwan has been assisting the Ministry of Education through scholarship awards.

The eight students have been selected from hundreds of applicants for undergraduate and postgraduate studies.

The lucky Solomon Islanders are: Ms. Jacinta Mae, Mr. Moses Tevea, Mr. Estee Nollomamei, Ms. Patrina Walekwate, Ms. Seralyn Ta'asi, Mr. Luke Vino, Ms. Samantha Mark and Mr. Eddie Ensli.

First Secretary to the Taiwan Embassy, Mr. Thomas Tsai stated that the students will be leaving for Taiwan on the 25th of August to study for five years.

The Taiwanese Embassy is hoping to increase the number of scholarships to ten in 2009, to give more chances to other Solomon Islanders.

Source: Solomon Times

Malaita Premier faces leadership challenge

Malaita Premier Richard Na'amo Irosaea is facing a leadership challenge.

Provincial Assembly member Jimmy Manewai who until yesterday was former Sport Minister reported from Auki that seven Provincial Ministers have by 3pm yesterday handed in their resignation to the Provincial Speaker, Richard Watekari.

Mr Manewai says the resignation letters have been copied to Premier Irosaea.

He says the reasons for the seven Provincial Ministers' resignation is because they are confused with the Premier's leadership style.

Mr Manewai says among the reasons is the Premier making decisions without consulting the Provincial Executive.

"A very good example is the Malaita Second Appointed Day which was held last week. I mean anything to do with Malaita Province which involves the provincial government the executive should have a say in them. The Executive did not have a say in what happened in the events marking the province's second appointed day last week."

SIBC News was not able to verify the resignation with either the Malaita Provincial Assembly Speaker, Mr Watekari or Premier Irosaea.

Source: SIBC

"Constance Young Inn" opened in North Malaita's Fo'ondo SSEC Association by Women's group

By Simon Iro Sefa
Tireless efforts by the Fo'ondo SSEC church women's band in North Malaita has resulted in the opening of the "Constance Young Inn" on Thursday 7th August 2008.
Left to right: Irene Tonawane (Women’s Representative), Nathalyn Sefa (Project Coordinator), Ivalyn Tonafalea (Women’s Band Leader) and Necy Stanley (Assistant Women’s Band Leader).

The Fo’ondo South Seas Evangelical Church is a central Church in the 'Wanenira Association' in North Malaita where most religious occasions and big gatherings are usually held. In early 2007, the Fo’ondo SSEC Central Church Women’s Band learnt of the unsolved accommodation problem. They put their hearts together in faith, trust in God and started raising funds where at the end they had their prayers answered.

According to Project Coordinator, Mrs Nathalyn Sefa, “Constance Young Inn” is a first Permanent Rest House ever built within the SSEC at Fo’ondo, in Wanenira Association after the missionaries left Solomon Islands.

She said, “It is a historical event for Fo’ondo Women’s Band because for the past years, men tried to build a Rest House but failed.”

Mrs Sefa says that it took them a year to raise money for the project. They started raising funds since 12th June 2007.

“We thank God for the Public Fund Donations, which flowed from the Body of Christ,” she said.

She added that the Rest House was opened by Reverend Peter Maesulatala who was invited as a guest of honour.

The Cooperative Women’s Band group named the Rest House “Constance Young Inn” because Miss Constance Elizabeth Brouchton Young was a missionary who brought Good News (Gospel) to Fo’ondo District, died on 24th October 1924 and buried at Fo’ondo Church Cemetery.

Everyone who turned up to witness the opening was really blessed. The day was fine and there were lots of food during feasting.

Solomon's Francis Manioru clocks 11.09s in Men's 100m sprint in Beijing

Solomon Islands lone male sprinter at the Beijing Olympics, Francis Manioru, has clocked 11.09s in the Men's 100 meter heat this morning, but was not enough to qualify for the semi-finals after coming last in the heat number 1.

In one of the faster seeded heats, Manioru only managed to settle for the last position after Vanuatu's Kamut Moses who clocked 10.81s.

Jamaica's Usain Bolt who came first with 10.20s followed by Daniel Bailey (10.24s) of Antigua-Barbuda, and Vincente Lima (10.26s) of Brazil proceeded to the semi-finals from heat number 1.

Source: Yahoo 7

New operations center boosts Solomons maritime police force

The Maritime Unit of the Solomon Islands Police Force (SIPF) has new facilities to improve maritime surveillance targeting illegal fishing, transnational crime and search and rescue at sea, thanks to a new Operations Room was officially opened today at SIPF's portside office.

Director of the Maritime Unit of SIPF, Eddie Tokuru commented when opening the facility: "We are pleased to celebrate the launch of the Operations Room with people who have assisted us in this important step in improving our maritime surveillance facilities. With these new computer facilities, our officers at sea can send emails and data into the Operations Room for the SIPF to respond to straight away. This will improve Solomon Islands' capacity to monitor what is happening at sea and to contribute to regional surveillance operations."

The Operations Room was built with funding from Defense Cooperation Program Assistance from the Australian Defense Force. Wing Commander Wendy Horder, Australian Defense Adviser said: "The Australian Defense Co-Operation Program is pleased to have assisted in the funding and project management for the Operations Room Upgrade and looks forward to seeing it used to more effectively target illegal activity in the maritime environment."

Three Royal Australian Navy advisers are also posted to the SIPF Maritime Unit to advise on maritime surveillance and maintenance of patrol boats. These advisers were responsible for the project management of the upgrade.

Technical assistance to provide live access to the Vessel Monitoring System, a satellite-based system to monitor the position, speed and direction of registered fishing vessels, from the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA).

Director of Fisheries Operations Luatutu Andre Volentras commented: "Fishing is an important industry for the Solomon Islands so it needs the latest technology to control and survey what is happening at sea. Improved access to FFA's vessel monitoring system here in Honiara will help the region coordinate their efforts to combat illegal fishing."

The Operations Room has value for police officers not at sea also – it can be used as a backup for the SIPF Communications Centre in case of failure of their systems and also by SIPF in times of national emergency to co-ordinate whole of police operations.

Source: Pacific Magazine

Solomon police publicly released outstanding "arrest warrants" to the media

Information has been provided to the media, to assist in locating persons against whom a warrant has been issued for their arrest.

The information merely reflects the existence of an arrest warrant at a certain point in time.

It is important to remember that the persons named are presumed innocent until such time, if ever, he or she is convicted of an offence.

The information is based on records provided by the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force and the Solomon Islands Magistrates Court.

Publication of this information does not guarantee it is either accurate or current.

Below is the list of people with outstanding warrants.

As previously advised, the list starts with 'A' and will be followed on alphabetically.

1. AU, James 1986
2. AU, Mathias 1978
3. AMO, Patrick 1961
4. ABA ABA, Jack 1973
5. ATA, Henry
6. AHA, Jackson 1979
7. AFU, Renton 1978
8. ASI, Alick 1986
9. ALU, Martin 1981
10. AKWAI AKWA, Peter 1974
11. AFURAE, Phillip 1984
12. ANIKAMAELI, John 1967
13. ANISI, Kelly 1967
14. ANISI, Jack 1980
16. AKWASIA, John
15 AUNA, Bobby 1978
17. ATANASIA, Aba 1980
18. ARABOLA, Linton 1980
19. ALAKAU, Berven 1982
20. AVA, Godfrey 1974
21. ANIBADA, John James 1990
22. ARAU, Allen 1988
23. ALALO, Joseph 1983
24. ASHLEY, Spencer 1983
25. AWAO, Chris 1981
26. AKWAI, Medley 1989
27. ALUNA, Charles 1952
28. TELA, Basil 1972
29. ASUA, William 1978
30. ARANA, Michael 1986
31. ALAGA, Hudson 1974
32. ANILAFA, Amos 1966
33. AITA, James 1986
34.AKORO AKORE, Kennedy 1985
35. ABANA, Billy
36. AUMAE, Frank 1984
37. AMINA, Ben 1963
38. AFU, Duddley 1975
39. ADOMEA, Andrew 1978
40. ADUOMEA, Andrew 1979
41. AFUGA, John 1973
42. AFU, John 1983
43. AU, Peter 1980
44. ATA, Ronald 1985
45.ADIFAKA, David Lusim 1980
46. AZO, Mike 1981
47. ARAKA, Mile 1984
48. ABA, Jerome 1986
49. AMON, Peter 1988
50. ABANA, John 1978
51. ANISI, Jack 1980
52. ALAOANA, Elizabeth 1987
53. ANIFAESI, Francis 1979
54. ANGI, Patrick 1981
55. AKOLE, Samalyn 1976
56.ANGISERINGI, Sam Jack 1970
57. AGEGENI, Robert 1983
58. ATA, Chris Joel 1978
59. ADOMEA, Andrew 1978
60. AWKATA, Mostyn 1983
61. AU, Peter 1983
62. AMOS, Bradley 1985
63. AIKE, Donald 1977
64. AFU, Veronica 1969
65. ANI, Clence 1983
66. AWAKARI, Phillip 1986
67. ANGOLE, Samalyn 1976
68. AKWAI, Ben 1978
69. AUFEA, Charles 1973
70. KAUSI, Martin 1977
71. AMOS, Tom 1980
72. ANGINGI, Tom 1982
73. ANGIRI, Silvina 1986
74. AIMA, Charles 1987
75. SUNAIANO, Barnabas 1982
76. FOLI, John 1984
77. ANGI, James 1978
78. AUSUTU, Lesly 1981
79. ADIFAKA, Fosimu
80. ANGA, Lenny 1985
81. ALLEN, Morish 1989

Source: Solomon Times

TARD receives medical supplies from New Zealand

The To'abaita Authority for Research and Development (TARD) student volunteer group has collected medical supplies which arrived from New Zealand in Honiara today.

The latest donation from the Medical Aid Abroad New Zealand (MAANZ) organisation, comprises 26 boxes of assorted medical supplies, purported for clinics in the North Malaita Constituency.

Supplies which reached Honiara by boat late last month were finally collected today by members of the TARD Honiara Committee after clearance from Customs and the Ministry of Health.

The medical supplies will be stored temporarily in Honiara awaiting transportation to North Malaita for distribution.

This is the fourth consignment of medical supply donation towards North Malaita clinics from the MAANZ in partnership with TARD since 2006.

Therefore, TARD is thankful to the MAANZ organisation for providing such medical assistance to the people of North Malaita. TARD also acknowledges the Pacific Freight Management Ltd company in Auckland for shipping the boxes free of charge.

Solomons Finance Minister admits country’s currency is declining

The Solomon Islands Finance Minister has told parliament that increasing the value of the Solomons dollar is not feasible at this time.

The minister, Snyder Rini, was responding to calls by MPs to have the local dollar pegged to the currencies of the country’s trading partners.

“Our foreign reserves is declining. So its not feasible to do that. We appreciate the Solomon Islands dollars. That means income from copra, the income from cocoa, income from timber and other export commodities.”
Mr Rini was answering questions in relation to the 2007 annual report of the country’s Central Bank.

Source: RNZI

Solomons government rejects arming police

The Solomons Police Minister says the country’s Police will not be re-armed anytime in the near future.

Samuel Manetoali made the statement in Parliament in response to questions raised about RAMSI rearming the police force.

“The Sikua government’s position is that there is no intention to re-arm or train the Solomon Islands police force, including the Close Protection Unit, in the use of firearms at this time.”

The Minister said currently the police do not have access to firearms and are not being given firearm training by the Regional Assistance Mission.

The previous Sogavare government had planned to re-arm the police Close Protection Unit. Officers in the unit were sent to Taiwan for weapons training as part of this
policy.

Source: RNZI

Grassroots project gives North Malaitan youths 'ray of light'

A grassroots project to address the needs of youth and their communities in North Malaita, Solomon Islands, is moving quickly to identify the training needs of youth leaders, in the region and is seeking financial support for the initiative.
The work is being spearheaded by the Uttermost Rural Development Foundation (URDF) and the Commonwealth Youth Programme South Pacific (CYPSP) is working closely with URDF to build their capacity to meet their community's needs.

The URDF project is aimed at creating sustainable livelihoods for youth in the region - many of whom were involved in the Solomon Island ethnic tensions.

In late July the URDF and CYPSP held a series of consultations with youth stakeholders and young people in Honiara and young people and community leaders and youth in Malu'u, North Malaita and identified specific issues and training needs for the youth.

Among the needs or issues raised were basic infrastructure and health for villages in North Malaita; work skills including agriculture and small business skills; community awareness on health and hygiene; organising village events; safeguarding their environment; communication, including Internet; support for local music industries and conservation awareness.

CYPSP staff Jane Baeanisia, who represented CYPSP at the consultations, says the consultations went well.

"It was a good consultation - there was good representation from young people, including from young women. There were a lot of discussions on the community issues that young people want to focus on and develop."

URDF founder and lead facilitator Redley Ramo says there has been a large amount of interest and support for the project from both young people and prominent Solomon Island leaders.

"It gives a ray of light in the minds of the young people that there might be some help. There has been support from leaders as well: the North Malaita Council of Chiefs was represented at the consultations, and North Malaita Provincial Government's youth minister sees this as a model to start working from."

The next step is to bring 25 youth and five adults to Honiara for an intensive two-week leadership training workshop. The group will become URDF's key community contacts in North Malaita and community educators and youth leaders. Importantly, the youth leaders will be facilitators of change together with their peers in North Malaita. The project team are currently looking for financial support.

"We're appealing to potential partners in the Solomon Islands to give support to the training and UDRF," says Mr Ramo. "This is the first of its kind. It's an indigenous, grassroots initiative that comes from young people themselves. Rural areas have been disconnected, so it's time to invest in these areas if you're looking to the future."

Mr Paul Peteru, CYPSP Programme Manager, echoes Mr Ramo's sentiments.

"We know the difficulties working in North Malaita. We know the issues because it is the people themselves that name them. We also know what is required for the pilot programme to work because we are engaging people that are trusted by community leaders and have the education and industry expertise at the grassroots and national levels to make a positive difference in people's lives. What we essentially need are funders who can share in the vision of the people in the villages and communities of North Malaita," says Mr Peteru.

CYPSP Regional Director Ms Afu Billy says CYPSP is proud to be associated with URDF.

"The URDF is a positive development for young people. CYPSP's role is to facilitate young people to think for themselves and do things for themselves. We provide guidance. As such whatever work we do with them is very much based on their ideas and their needs and the available resources and expertise of CYPSP and staff. We are very pleased to be associated with them and encourage other stakeholders to input their expertise and resources according to the URDF members' ideas and needs," say Ms Billy.

Source: Solomon Times

SI youths celebrate International Youth Day in Honiara today

Various youth organizations and groups in Honiara are celebrating the International Youth Day today on August 12, 2008 at the Cultural Village.

The theme for 2008's International Youth Day is "Youth and Climate Change: Time for action".

Today's programme kicks off with a march by the youth groups from the Honiara City Council office area to the Cultural Village. This is followed by speeches from certain prominent figures in Climate Change and youths development and winners of the day's speech competition will also be announced later to be followed by performances from Solo Idols and other Honiara bands.

There is free admission to the general public at the celebration venue.

The program is facilitated by the Honiara City Council Youth department, Solomon Islands Youth for Change, Ministry of Youth, Children and Women Affairs and non governmental organizations.

Wendy Hale fails to fulfill her Beijing goal in weightlifting

Solomon Islands lone weightlifter to the 19th Olympiad in Beijing, Wendy Hale competed yesterday in the women's 53-58kg category, and came 12th in a pack of twelve internationally renowned weightlifters.

Ms Hale, 20, in an interview with the Solomon Star in late July 2008 stated that her goal in Beijing would be to finish amongst the world’s top 10 after the Olympics. Unfortunately, she was not able to fulfill her goal after coming 12th or last in her category.

Hale lifted 78kgs in the Snatch weight and 95kgs in the Clean & Jerk weight amounting to a total lift of 173kgs.

In her category, the gold was scooped by China's Yanqing Chen with a total lift of 244kgs; silver by Russia's Marina Shainova (227kgs); and bronze by Korea's Jong Ae O with a total lift of 226kgs.

Meanwhile, in athletics Francis Manioru will be competing on Friday while Pauline Kwalea will take on the tracks on Saturday.

Pacific Islands Forum family mourns passing away of Greg Urwin

It is with great sadness that the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat and the Pacific Islands Forum family announces the passing away of the Secretary General of the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat, Mr Greg Urwin in Apia, Samoa on the night of Saturday 9th August.

Mr Urwin passed away after being ill for the past eight months. He was 62.

He began his first three-year term as Secretary General of the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat in February 2004 and was reappointed for another three-year term in October 2006.

The Acting Secretary General of the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat, Mr Feleti Teo has informed the Chairman of the Pacific Islands Forum and Prime Minister of Tonga, Hon. Feleti Sevele and other Forum Leaders of the great loss to the region.

“The Pacific has lost a leader who had the region at heart. He was a very humble person and very sensitive to many cultures that make up the membership of the Pacific Islands Forum family,” says Mr Teo

“During his time as the Secretary General, he was at the forefront of the implementation of the Pacific Plan since endorsed by Forum Leaders in 2005. He advocated the needs of the Smaller Island States within the Forum and started a process for recognitions of non-government organizations within the activities of the Forum.”

Arrangements are underway for a memorial service to be held in Suva, Fiji while the funeral service will be held later in the week in Apia.

Source: PIFS

TARD's Concern About Power Blackout

The To'abaita Authority for Research and Development, TARD, student volunteer group is concerned that vital supplies of drugs are wasted at the Malu'u Health Centre in North Malaita.

This is due to power blackout caused by disgruntled resource owners.

TARD had been very instrumental in restocking the health centre along with another six health clinics in North Malaita with important medical supplies since 2006up till now.

TARD Project Coordinator Exsley Taloiburi who was responsible for facilitating consignments of donated medical supplies from New Zealand and Australia, says he is concerned that such an action by resource owners has resulted in wastage of useful drugs.

Mr Taloiburi says the action had affected innocent people that seek medical treatment at Malu'u Health Centre."This week TARD is clearing another consignment of medicines that arrived from New Zealand for the Malu'u Health Centre and other clinics in North Malaita.

If the parties do not settle the issue we might skip Malu'u Clinic in our next distribution."Mr Taloiburi calls on the government and others such as the Solomon Islands Electricity Authority and the conflicting tribal clans to urgently resolve the impasse.

Source: SIBC

CYP South Pacific boss urges authorities to support youths

To mark International Youth Day, Commonwealth Youth Programme South Pacific (CYPSP) Regional Director Ms Afu Billy writes on why we should be working with young people to create better futures for all.

"Young people make up nearly half of the populations of the Commonwealth countries and are an asset to their nations. Young people are fresh, vibrant and strong. They have energy, strength and creativity which can be used by governments and other non-government stakeholders for their country's and communities' development; and used in their own lives to work toward empowerment.

"The problem in many of our Pacific nations is that we leaders play a great 'lip service' but do not follow through. Many of the sentiments we speak of are never realised. Young people need to be empowered.

"However, empowerment does not just happen to young people. Adults, especially those in positions of power, have a very important role in the empowerment of young people. It's vital they work to create conditions - economic and social - which enable that empowerment to develop.

"Why should young people be empowered? Because between 50 and 70 percent of the developing world's population is under the age of 30. Around 45 percent of the Commonwealth population live in poverty, on less than US$2 a day; young people are three times more likely to be unemployed than adults are. Pro-poor strategies must be pro-youth. This vast human resource should be used and not squandered.

"In much of the developing world the youth population will be extremely high in the years leading up to 2015. This is a great economic opportunity - young people will be having fewer children which means they will be more productive with fewer dependents to care for.

"However, young people will only benefit if governments and the private sector invest in young people. If we leave things the way they are now, young people will continue to be the largest ever unemployed group in society.

"CYPSP would like Pacific governments and non-government and civil society organisations working in the Pacific, to start working towards youth empowerment and start taking an 'assets-based approach' to youth development."

Source: Solomon Times

Security tightens as Solomon Islands awaits no confidence motion

By Joanna Siriheti

Prime Minister, Dr. Derek Sikua is confident with the number of support from the Members of Parliament. The number of Members of Parliament supporting Dr. Derek Sikua is said to stand at 40.

The Motion of No Confidence will be moved this morning by the Member of Parliament for West Honiara, Isaac Inoke.

While the Solomon Islands await the outcome of the Motion, rumors of a demonstration are still rife in the capital. However, the Police along with their RAMSI counterparts are not taking any chances. A helicopter has been circulating the capital and although nothing is expected, tight security is visible around the Parliament.

Commissioner, Peter Marshall, in a Press Conference yesterday, stated that the Police Response Team personnel are ready to respond to anything that could happen, "but we are not expecting any issues such as a disorder in Honiara or in Solomon Islands in general."

Mr. Marshall then continued to say that, although the public had heard of a rumor of a large march, there will be nothing of the sort.

Source: Solomon Times

Solomon student at USP Laucala dies in Suva Hospital

It is reported that a Solomon Islands student studying at the USP Laucala Campus has died in a Suva Hospital today.

While details of the incident is still sketchy, it is understood that the student is from Makira and is an undergraduate student.

This would be the second Solomon student at USP Laucala to have passed away in Suva, after the sudden death of another Isabel student early this year.

SIG delegation satisfied with learning trip on PNG integrity law

By Julia Daia Bore

A Solomon Islands delegation in PNG this week has expressed satisfaction over its meetings with PNG authorities on the laws governing political parties and candidates.

Solomon Islands High Commissioner to PNG Bernard Bata’anisia said the information gathered would be used as guidelines for a proposed Bill to be introduced in the Solomons parliament in November.

Solomon Islands has been experiencing continuous political turmoil since 1998, culminating in MPs constantly changing political affiliations, numerous prime ministers taking office over a short period of time and violent ethnic clashes among the community.

In fact three prime ministers have been voted into office in this term of parliament. Snyder Rini was given the top post after the April 5, 2006, general elections which lasted for only a week.

Rini’s election also led civil unrest with the burning down of Chinatown and many other business complexes. Widespread looting was also reported.

Manasseh Sogovare succeeded Rini in a vote of no-confidence on April 26, 2006, and he too was brought down in a no-confidence motion on Dec 13 last year by prime minister Derek Sikua, a former minister in the Sogovare regime.

Mr Bata’anisia said the situation was very similar to PNG until the latter brought in the integrity law, which had seen stability in all facets of the nation’s political game.

“We have similar experiences; these meetings with relevant organisations in PNG will assist the Solomon Islands formulate its own policy on the integrity of political parties and candidates,” Mr Bata’anisia said.

The Solomons delegation comprises law reform commission chairman and former judge Frank Kabui; former parliament speaker Paul Tovua, special secretary to the Solomon Islands PM John Keniapisia and Christopher Waiwori, political adviser to Sikua.

They have met with Dr Alphonse Gelu of the National Research Institute, Electoral Commissioner Andrew Trawen and elections lawyer Prof John Nonggorr. Tomorrow, they meet Chief Ombudsman Chronox Manek and his officers.

Source: The National

Solomon Islands PM announces review of telecommunication services

The Solomon Islands Prime Minister Dr Derek Sikua says Parliament will review Telekom’s exclusive license in three months time.

Telekom currently has sole rights to telecommunications service in the country - with its 15 year exclusive contract it obtained in 2003.

Solomon Telekom may face tough competition much sooner then they anticipated after the announcement in Parliament that the government is putting together a draft Telekom bill to liberalise the market.

Speaking on the issue, Prime minister Sikua said telecommunications in the country will improve once the market is opened up.

“Our Telekom’s exclusive license expected to be reviewed in November 2008 parliament sitting which should open the avenue for further development of communication to the provinces.”

Solomon Telekom recently won a High Court injunction to stop Jamaican mobile operator Digicel from setting up in the country.

Source: RNZI

UN encourages development of Pacific Cassava crop

The UN’s Food and Agriculture Organisation says growing more cassava could help the food and energy security of developing Pacific countries facing soaring food and fuel prices.

Cassava scientists recently met in Belgium and called for more research and development to boost farmers’ yields of the crop.

The Apia-based FAO Food and Nutrition Officer Dirk Schulz says cassava is a staple food in the Pacific region and readily available.

“Cassava is an important crop for food security globally and in most Pacific Island countries, in particular Melanesian countries. Particularly with these days rising food prices..countries are looking for alternatives to produce food locally and cassava has a starchy root and is an important source of energy and carbs.”

Dirk Schulz says the crop adapts well to poor soil and low rainfall.

Source: RNZI

RAMSI says thank you to Cook Islands on their national day

The Regional Assistance Mission to the Solomon Islands (RAMSI) congratulated Cook Islands on the occasion of their National Day.

RAMSI Deputy Special Coordinator, Dr Jonathan Austin, said Cook Islands had been a strong supporter of RAMSI, providing personnel to the mission since 2003.

“I’d like to take this opportunity to thank the Cook Islands Government and people for their on-going commitment to the Solomon Islands and RAMSI in continuously contributing members of its police force.” Dr Austin said.

Dr Austin said he wished Cook Islands well on their National Day celebrations today and thanked them on behalf all members of the Regional Assistance Mission for their valuable contribution to Solomon Islands efforts to be a safe, well-governed and prosperous nation.

He said he would particularly like to congratulate and thank Rimamotu Manavaikai, the Cook Islands police officer currently serving in the Participating Police Force.

Mr Manavaikai said he is honoured to be the sole representative of his nation to RAMSI Participating Police Force.

“Personally, I am enjoying my mission with RAMSI especially when it gives me the privilege of meeting and working with people from different nationalities and backgrounds,” he said.

Mr Manavaikai brings to the mission 30 years of experience in policing. During that time he has worked in a wide variety of areas including Criminal Investigations and Maritime. This has made him an ideal candidate to work with the Solomon Islands Police Force Maritime area.

Cook Islands today marks 43 years of self rule.

Source: RAMSI

Iromea to Police: Crack Down on Kwaso Makers

Burns Creek community chairman John Seti Iromea yesterday condemned Sunday’s stabbing there which resulted in the death of a young man.

He vowed that the community are willing to help Police apprehend anyone involved who is not already in custody.

Mr Iromea said that the incident was related to the illegal home brew kwaso.“I deplore this killing and appeal to police to give us the name of any suspects they want and we will hand him over to face justice,” he said.

He said that the situation at Burns Creek is tense, leading to some children not going to school.

He said: “Some children are in fear especially those of the two parties involved in the incident. But we are doing all we can to solve the matter in custom style.”

Mr Iromea said that a young man went to buy kwaso from another group early on Sunday morning but was attacked..“He returned and brought his relatives who took revenge resulting in the death of the deceased,” Mr Iromea said.

Police have arrested two men.

Mr Iromea appealed to Police to crack down more on those producing kwaso, because of the problems kwaso causes.

He said: “If we want to discourage kwaso production, heavy penalties must be faced by those caught producing it and community leaders must also actively involve in the fight to eradicate kwaso.”

Mr Iromea said that the two parties involved had come to some understanding. This resulted in more than $2000 and two shell money being paid to the deceased’s relatives.

“The matter will be fully resolved after the body of the deceased is transported home for burial but things are still fragile at this stage,” he said.

Source: Solomon Stars

SIEA to use coin-operated power meters because of debt woes

The chairman of the Solomon Islands Electricity Authority, Walton Naezon, says it will eventually put all residents in Honiara on coin-operated meters.

Hundreds of households have had their power cut off since late last month as the financially struggling utility cracks down on bad debtors.

Mr Naezon says some people have never paid for their electricity use.

Government agencies throughout the country are also being cut, including a hospital on Malaita, which Mr Naezon says he has since ordered to be reconnected.

He says a number of provincial governments and state-owned enterprises are at fault and he will present a paper to Cabinet this week to ask it to help them out.

“In the past the management is a bit weak in the Board and they could not collect legal established revenue of the Authority. So what we are doing now is we are disconnecting those who did not pay and those who did not pay is not only for 2008, but that goes back some ten or 15 years. So we are cleaning up SIEA accounts at the moment,” said Walton Naezon.

Source: RNZI

SIG delegation in PNG to learn about Integrity Bill on political parties

A Solomon Islands government delegation is in Papua New Guinea to learn from PNG its experiences on the execution and implementation of the Organic Law on the integrity of political parties and candidates.

The Solomons was looking at how the PNG version could be adopted into a proposed integrity bill on political parties, which it hopes to table in its November-December sitting of parliament, Solomon Islands High Commissioner to PNG Bernard Bata’anisia said.

The delegation yesterday met with National Research Institute academic Dr Alphonse Gelu.

They will meet with Electoral Commissioner Andrew Trawen and the commission’s legal counsel Prof John Nonggorr today.

Tomorrow, the Solomon Islanders are scheduled to meet with outgoing Registrar of Political Parties Paul Bengo and representatives from Transparency International.

Source: The National

Solomon students to PNG universities will increase next year: Bata'anisia

The Solomon Islands Government plans to increase the number of its students to study in PNG institutions from next year, with Unitech expected to again host the largest numbers.

This was revealed by the Solomon Islands High Commissioner to PNG Bernard Bata’anisia during a day’s visit to the Taraka campus last Friday.

Mr Bata’anisia said the Solomon Islands Government had placed education and manpower training as a key priority, and was looking to increase the number of students it provided with scholarships to study in PNG institutions.

He said development of the agricultural sector was vital and as such, his Government was looking to send students to the Vudal University in East New Britain for the first time from next year. Science and technology, engineering, business and commerce and computing were also priorities of his Government, and Unitech would see an increase in the number of Solomon Islands students from next year.

The quotas for the other universities are also expected to increase.

Unitech is host to the largest number of Solomon Islands students this year, with 74 being sponsored by their Government and another five sponsored by AusAID and other donor agencies.

Mr Bata’anisia met vice chancellor Dr Misty Baloiloi and other members of the university’s senior management, where he presented the tuition fees for the Solomon Islands students for this year totaling K660,583.

The high commissioner thanked Unitech and the other PNG institutions for assisting in the training of the country’s manpower.

He said over the years many Solomon Islands students obtained their education and skills and many of them today hold responsible and leadership positions in both government and private sector.

Dr Baloiloi said Solomon Islands students were “very welcome” at Unitech. He said many of the students had played important roles in the different sectors of life on campus, including being champions on the sporting front, where they make up the largest number of players in the champion soccer team, Sobou.

Mr Bata’anisia later met with the Solomon Islands students where he assured them of the Government’s support for their education.

He also stressed to the students they were guests in PNG and that they must respect and observe the rules and regulations of the university and the laws of PNG. He assured the students that their scholarships for next year were in order.

The Solomon Islands students were happy that their country’s representative had visited them and took the opportunity to raise issues of concern both about events back home, including an impending vote of no confidence against current leadership, as well as their up-keep while in PNG.

Source: Post Courier

Yound man died of stab wounds

Police are investigating a stabbing incident in Honiara on Saturday night resulting in the death of a young man.

While details of the incident are not being officially released by the police, SIBC News understands from reliable sources that the incident took place at Burns Creek area, east of Honiara.

The National Referral Hospital Emergency ward had confirmed that someone who's been rushed to the ward had died as result of stabbing but was not prepared to release any other details.

Reliable sources however, told SIBC news that such criminal incidences have increased in Honiara due to the increase in the consumption of alcohol and use of restricted drugs.

Source: SIBC

Duke and Duchess in Honiara

The Duke and Duchess of Gloucester arrived yesterday afternoon at the Honiara international airport amid tight security provided by the Police and members of the Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon islands, RAMSI.

The chartered plane touched down at 2pm and the Duke and Duchess were met at the airport by the head of state Governor General Sir Nathaniel Weana, the Prime Minister, Dr Derek Sikua and the British High Commissioner, Richard Lyne.

On his arrival he was also greeted with traditional dances and tunes and a warriors welcome.

The Duke inspected a guard of honour before he met other dignitaries and senior government officials in the VIP lounge at the Airport under tight security.

The Duke and Duchess of Gloucester will be taking a rest before the next two days where they will be engaged in various visits and discussions.

Today the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester will attend an Ecumenical Church Service of thanks for thirty years of independence at the Saint Barnabas Anglican Cathedral.

They will also visit the Guadalcanal Plains Palm Oil Limited, the RAMSI Camp at the Guadalcanal Beach Resort and King George Sixth School.

They will also attend events associated with the Saint John’s Ambulance Brigade and the Government House First Lady Charity.

Their Royal Highnesses will also pay their respects at the United States War Memorial.The Duke will address Solomon islands Parliament on Tuesday, the third person to have been given the honour.

The other two were the then Prime Minister of Tonga and the then President of Taiwan.British High Commissioner, HE Richard Lyne said the visit is very important because Britain attaches a lot of importance with its relationship with Solomon Islands.

Source: SIBC

Solomon Islands and Taiwan finalising labour scheme

Unskilled workers from Solomon Islands could soon be working in Taiwan under a new labour scheme between the two countries.

The Taiwanese Ambassador to Solomon Islands, George Chen says an agreement on the terms and conditions of the labour scheme is now being worked out. He says the two governments will sign an agreement on the labour scheme, but it will be implemented by private interests.

Chen stated that Taiwan had been importing labours from the Southeast Asia countries and since Solomon Islands is our staunch ally in the Pacific we also propose that scheme over to Solomon Islands. So we need to sign the MOU between our two countries at the government level, then both sides were to talk to the relevant local company or agent who is interested in implementing this project to talk to each other and to work out the details. So what the government should do now is to finalise the MOU details.

Unskilled labourers from the Solomon Islands are likely to be recruited in the fields of construction and in the services sector like maids, hospital helpers and so forth.

Chen added that depending on the agents discussions, maybe from the beginning we can import 50 or 100 or 200, it depends on the market demand.

Source: Radio Australia

International Youth Day to be commemorated in Honiara

Various activities are being planned to mark this year's International Youth Day in Honiara starting next week.

The Theme is "Youth and Climate Change - Time For Action"

One of the organisers of events marking the Youth Day, Honiara City Council's Mary Jionisi says that it's important that issues on youth and climate change be addressed.

She says climate change is a global issue and it's the younger generations that will be affected.

Ms Jionisi says youths will have the opportunity to voice their concerns on the issues highlighting the International Youth Day.

She says that 12 youth representatives have drawn up a plan of events over several days leading up to the main event on August 12th.

The main event will be held at the cultural village in Central Honiara.

Source: SIBC

Honiara Told To Get Ready For Royal Visit

HONIARA City Lord Mayor Andrew Mua calls on town residents to clean up the city ahead of the royal visit next month.

The royal couple, the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester, is due here on August 3 on a three-day visit. They are coming as part of the country’s 30th independence anniversary celebrations.

Mr Mua said it’s important residents and businesses keep the town clean and tidy ahead of the visit. “A major clean up will be required from the public at large in getting Honiara prepared for this visit,” Mr Mua told the Solomon Star Wednesday.

He said city council workers will use Friday, Saturday and Sunday to clean up the city. The mayor appealed to the public to refrain from littering.

The China Town Steering Committee has also advised all business houses and schools in the area to prepare for the visit.The committee has declared Friday, Saturday and Sunday their clean up days.

All business owners are asked to clean up their shops, outside of their buildings, schools and make sure that all rubbish are picked up.

Meanwhile, police are also preparing for the visit, with an operation in place. His Royal Highness the Duke of Gloucester KG KCVO is a cousin of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth.Queen Elizabeth is Solomon Islands’ head of state. She is represented here by Governor General Sir Nathaniel Waena.

Source: Solomon Star