KLA declares opposition to GRML

THE Keohoto Landowners Association (KLA) has declared its firm opposition to allowing Gold Ridge Mining Limited (GRML) to conduct future prospecting activities over Mount Vunusa.  This announcement follows the decision by the Mines and Minerals Board to cancel GRML’s Prospecting License (PL) for operations at Mt Vunusa in Central Guadalcanal. The cancellation decision was communicated…

SITCO GM to reappear in court

THE General Manager (GM) of Solomon Islands Tobacco Company (SITCO) who allegedly breached the Tobacco Act will return to the Honiara Magistrate Court on March 3 for breaching the Tobacco Control Act 2024. That is when the court will make directions as to his plea. John Darren Corby faces one count of Restriction on Advertisement…

Rhinoceros beetles spread to Rendova

THE rhinoceros beetles have reached big villages in Rendova Island, sparking fear of total destruction to coconut plantations in the near future.  In the Christmas and New Year festive season, Solomon Star made observations of rhinoceros beetles on coconut trees at Ughele village in South Rendova in the Western Province. From the observation, Solomon Star…

Malaita passes $34.3M revised budget

THE Malaita Provincial Assembly has passed the Malaita Provincial Government’s (MPG’s) revised budget for the remaining part of the 2024/2025 financial year, which is worth SBD 34,330,635. The budget was approved by the Malaita Provincial Assembly in their budget meeting last Wednesday. With the passage of the revised budget, MPG will continue delivering services to…

Noro roads covered with asphalt

Asphalt paving on Noro Roads in Western Province is now underway, the Ministry of Infrastructure Development (MID) has announced. The commencement of placing asphalt began on January 9, 2025. This development marks an important milestone in the ongoing efforts to improve the transportation infrastructure in the Western Province. The Noro Roads improvement work is funded…

OIL SPILL CLAIM

A legal team comprising local and international lawyers is preparing to file a compensation claim against the insurer Korea Protection and Indemnity Club (KP&I) for the 2019 oil spill in Kangava Bay, Rennell.  The team includes William Kadi, former head of the Public Solicitor Office’s (PSO’s) Landowner Advocacy and Legal Support Unit, now with Primo…

Former PNG PM O’Neill eyes Tavanipupu resort

FORMER Papua New Guinea (PNG) Prime Minister and businessman Peter O’Neill has expressed interest in the controversial Tavanipupu Wellness & Spa Retreat located in Marau, East Guadalcanal. Mr O’Neill, currently visiting Honiara, has been exploring some of the country’s iconic tourism destinations, including the Solomon Islands National Provident Fund (SINPF)-owned Tavanipupu retreat. SINPF General Manager…