USP to sign MOU with Isabel

A TEAM from University of the South Pacific (USP) team is in Isabel this week to discuss and sign a deal with the provincial authorities for to establishment of USP centre in Buala. This was confirmed by the Isabel provincial secretary John Mark Lokumana yesterday when speaking to Solomon Star from Buala. PS Lokumana said,…

Gold Ridge group wants Fijian security guards out

THE Gold Ridge People’s Power Group (GRPPG) has called on the national government to disengage the Fijian security firm contracted to provide security at Gold Ridge mine site, central Guadalcanal. The group said the job should have been given to locals. Spokesman for the group Ribson Nunua said people of Gold Ridge are not happy…

Selfies for development – be in the picture

SNAP and send us a selfie to be part of a global movement supporting a United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) proposal for a specific goal on youth in the post-2015 global development agenda. UNFPA Pacific Sub-Regional Office (PSRO) Director and Representative Dr Laurent Zessler yesterday launched the selfie campaign for the Oceania region during a…

Tourist operators unhappy with airstrip closure

LURING tourists to Malaita Province continued to be a hurdle, which both the provincial government and tourism operators based in the provincial capital of Auki face as a result of the closure of Gwaunaru’u airfield. The airstrip was closed since last year due to a dispute amongst landowners. Premier of Malaita province, Edwin Suibaea previously…

Korovou fishery centre to be upgraded

THE rundown Korovou fishery centre in Shorthand Island, Western Province will be upgraded soon. That’s according to acting premier of Western province Wayne Maepio. “The province had secured funds from the ministry of fisheries and provincial government,” Mr Maepio said. “As soon as the contractor is secured work on the centre should start anytime.” Mr…

CBR conducts human rights training in Central Province

THE nineth Human Rights Training organised by Community Based Rehabiliation Unit of the Ministry of Health and Medical Services was held at Tulagi, Central Province, on June 18 and 19. This training is a continious advocacy and awareness raising on the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities carried out throughout the country to…

Despite the floods, it’s harvest time for Don Bosco

YESTERDAY was a joyous time for Don Bosco Rural Training Centre – Tetere, Guadalcanal Province.  This was because despite the devastating floods in April, the rice fields flourished with the harvest being made this week.  Fr. Joseph, Rector, while welcoming the guests and friends said: “It was a miracle reminding us that with rice we…

$15M LOAN, A FAIL DEAL: NPF bosses back under spotlight

THE controversial $15 million loan obtained from the National Provident Fund (NPF) by the Tavanipupu Resort owners is reportedly in tatters. A well placed source told the Solomon Star the undertaking yielded no positive returns, which resulted in the accumulation of loan arrears. “Yes, the loan is now in default with huge arrears owed to…

$14 Million partnership sealed

UNICEF yesterday signed programme agreements with key partners in the country that amounts to SBD$14.5 million. The money will help in rolling out safe water and adequate sanitation and hygiene (WASH) project in communities on Makira, Guadalcanal, Isabel and Honiara. The partners that signed the programme agreements include the Solomon Islands Red Cross, Save the…

In court for sexual abuse

A 33-year-old man who sexually abused two women at Gela, Central province last month will face the Honiara Magistrates’ Court again next month. Luke Vele who is in custody is yet to see a lawyer to assist him with his case. The court told him that he needs to see the correctional service unit to…