Locals welcome new tower as game changer

THE installation of a new Telekom tower at Nila, Shortlands, Western Province, has been described as a game changer for the country’s far western region. Most of the residents of Shortlands have expressed their excitement over the benefits of the telecommunication infrastructure following its successful launch almost a fortnight ago.  The much-anticipated infrastructure, recently completed, has…

Climate change impact worries tilapia farmer 

A LOCAL Tilapia farmer in Aruligo, North West Guadalcanal, has expressed fears over the sustainability of his farm due to its vulnerability to the effects of climate change. The Saranga Tilapia Farm breeds over 30,000 tilapias, which fetch the farm owner Maxwell Ham a decent income. But Ham said changed weather patterns caused by climate change has had a detrimental effect on his farm…

Australia Awards short course launched 

The first Australia Awards Solomon Islands Short Course Award- a Graduate Certificate in Fisheries Management and Development- has officially launched.  Economic contributions, food security, and jobs creation makes fisheries a critical sector for Solomon Islands and all Pacific Island countries and territories. This Australia Awards Short Course is a collaboration between the University of Wollongong, Australian National…

Urgent call to strengthen gov’t grants after ESP audit reveals major fraud risks 

The Auditor General on Tuesday calls for the urgent strengthening of the legal and regulatory regime for the administration of government grants. David Dennis made the call after an audit into the COVID-19 Economic Stimulus Package (ESP) revealed major fraud risk, poor to non-existent administrative controls and almost zero transparency in the disbursement of $309…

Wale urges police to probe ESP report

LEADER of Opposition Matthew Wale has called on the police to initiate immediate criminal investigations into the Economic Stimulus Package (ESP) report. In a statement on Tuesday, Hon Wale said investigations must proceed with technical support for police in financial expertise for the investigations. The Member of Parliament (MP) for Aoke Langalanga said the report…

Partner charged for beating wife 

A male person in his 30s was arrested and charged for beating his wife over a domestic row recently in Central Makira, Makira/Ulawa Province. Kirakira police made the arrest.  Provincial Police Commander (PPC) Makira/Ulawa Province Superintendent Peter Sitai said, “The incident occurred on a Sunday morning in which the suspect allegedly kicked the victim’s abdomen…

Gender in policing training held 

The Australian Federal Police (AFP) has concluded a four-day Gender in Policing training for the Pacific Islands Chiefs of Police Women’s Advisory Network (PICP WAN) in Honiara last week (3 October). The training, which marked an important step in advancing gender equality in policing in the region, was attended by WAN chairs from 16 of…

Suspicious death in West Honiara probed

The discovery of a male person in his 20s whose body was found at the seaside near Fangs company area at Tandai, in West Honiara on Sunday 6 October 2024 is under investigation. The suspicious death is now being investigated by National Criminal Investigation Department (NCID) of the Royal Solomon Island Police Force (RSIPF).  Provincial…