Farewell to participating contestants

FOLLOWING the Miss Pacific Islands Pageant 2025 finale over the weekend, participating countries have started departing Honiara for their home countries. This marked the conclusion of the weeklong event that brought excitement to Honiara and the region, a statement issued by Miss Solomon Islands Pageant 2025 said today.    Nauru, the first delegation to depart,…

STRIKE EXTENDED?

WORKERS Union of Solomon Islands has extended its 28 day strike notice to the Solomon Islands Ports Authority last week. This comes as the first 28-day strike notice issued to SIPA on Friday 10 January has lapsed on Thursday 6th February. In a letter to Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of SIPA, Eranda Kotelawala on 5th…

NGOs hit hard by US ‘aid freeze’ order

A number of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) operating in the Solomon Islands are feeling the impact of the recent freeze on US aid programs. They have expressed expressing concerns over funding shortages and disruptions to ongoing projects. The freeze happened after newly elected US President, Donald Trump signed Executive Order 14169 on January 20, 2025. The…

Police halt illegal mining operation

Police have intervened to stop an illegal mining operation carried out by disgruntled landowner Willie Tara at Vurahomba in Central Guadalcanal. Tara, frustrated over mining rights granted to Gold Ridge Mining, borrowed excavators from a friend in Rennell and Bellona to mine the tenement—despite not having a license from the Mines and Mineral Board. Speaking…

PM Manele in Dubai

The Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele is currently out of the country to attend the 12th edition of the World Government Summit (WGS) in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE). The three days Summit runs from Tuesday 11th to Thursday 13th February.  His follows an invitation from His Highness, Sheikh Mohammad bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Vice…

SI takes step in Maritime development with PITCO

Minister for Infrastructure Development Manasseh Maelanga and Pacific International Trust Company (PITCO) Limited have signed a pivotal consultancy agreement early this month to launch the International Shipping Registry (ISR) system. This agreement marks a significant alignment with the government’s strategic policy to boost economic growth and solidify the Solomon Islands’ standing within the global maritime…

Portable clinic installed at Naha

Two fully-equipped portable clinics are being installed by Australia at the site of the new Naha Birthing and Urban Health Centre, East Honiara to ensure uninterrupted healthcare continues during construction. The new clinic buildings and a refurbished Naha Clinic will be operational by mid-February, increasing the current clinic’s capacity to care for mothers, babies and…