THE recent installation of three telecommunication towers in the Shortland islands has not only enhanced connectivity for local communities but also benefits residents of Bougainville in the autonomous province of Papua New Guinea (PNG). With these developments, residents of Buka Town and surrounding areas can now connect to Solomon Telekom services. This cross-border telecommunication infrastructure…
Improvements to Noro Roads in Western Province have seen significant progress in recent months. This investment is funded by the World Bank and implemented by the Solomon Islands Government through the Ministry of Infrastructure Development (MID) under the Second Solomon Islands Roads and Aviation Project (SIRAP2). The project aims to improve the climate resilience and…
Dear Editor – I am writing to share my concern on the recent revelation published in the Solomon Star News website on 6th October, 2024 regarding the lack of inclusion of the Solomon Islands Women in Business Association (SIWIBA) in regards to the Economic Stimulus Package (ESP). SIWIBA plays an important role in empowering women business owners and…
THE Managing Director of Maraghoto Holdings Company Limited, Dr Richard Pauku has denied any ‘conflict of interest’ after receiving several assistances under the Economic Stimulus Package (ESP). The recently released audit report conducted by Office of Auditor General is concerned with the evaluations on the ESP that were conducted by a consultant who was a…
THE trial of the Master of MV Taimareho who was charged in connection to the tragedy that claimed the lives of 27 of the passengers who travelled aboard the vessel in 2020 continues in the High Court today. The defendant Michael Roy Galo is facing trial for 27 counts of manslaughter before Judge Ronald Bei…
HIGH Court judge Howard Lawry has refused to strike out the amended petition filed against the Member of Parliament (MP) for Northwest Guadalcanal Francis Sade and therefore the case will proceed to trial. The petition was filed by the former MP Bodo Dettke after he lost the Northwest Guadalcanal Constituency parliamentary seat to the former…
INVESTING in audit and data collections should be a key priority for any government and development partners. That’s according to the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Finance and Treasury, McKinnie Dentana at the launching of Capacity-building in Statistics and Audit (CAPSA) Project recently. “In the long run, investing in audit and data collections should…
Leader of the Independent Group in Parliament, has called on the Minister of Mines and Energy Bradley Tovosia, to immediately rectify his recent actions in the appointment of public officers to the Board of the Solomon Islands Water Authority (SIWA). Peter Kenilorea Jr. has expressed grave concern over the Minister’s actions, asserting that they exceed…
Dear Editor – The alarming rise in reported rape cases in the Solomon Islands this year reflects a dire reality for women and girls in our community. This spike not only reveals the extent of violence against them but also suggests that many victims remain silent, fearing stigma or retribution. The implications are profound, indicating…
Dear Editor – I am writing to express deep concern about the ongoing violation of women’s rights in our country. The situation in Solomon Islands, particularly in urban slums, is alarming and demands immediate attention. Women in our communities face daily challenges accessing basic necessities like clean water and sanitation. They are forced to walk…