$156.4m to prepare for COVID

A total sum of $156.4 million was approved and re-allocated to ministries responsible for implementing the Solomon Islands Government’s (SIG) COVID-19 preparedness and response sector plans. This was highlighted by the Minister of Finance and Treasury Harry Kuma during the second reading of the 2020 Supplementary Appropriation Bill in Parliament on Wednesday. In the speech,…

77yr-old remanded for rape 

POLICE have recently arrested and charged a 77-year-old man for allegedly raping his four-year-old step-granddaughter in East Honiara early this week. Deputy Police Commissioner Ian Vaevaso said step-grandfather is now facing a rape charge and currently remanded at the Rove Correctional Centre while the investigation continues. “It was alleged that at 1 pm on that…

COVID-19 public forum today

THE Solomon Islands Government will facilitate a public open forum today to allow members of the public to ask direct questions regarding issues surrounding COVID-19. Press Secretary to Prime Minister Leni Dalavera on Thursday confirmed that the forum will be held at the National Museum Auditorium for two hours. It will commence from 10:00 am this…

DPM in Auki for Malaita day

DEPUTY Prime Minister (DPM) Manasseh Maelanga has led a high-level delegation to attend the Malaita Province 2nd Appointed Day celebrations in Auki. The Deputy Prime Minister and his delegation flew to Auki yesterday evening ahead of the celebrations today, a statement from Prime Minister Press Secretariat said. The delegation also included Opposition MPs, Matthew Wale…

BORDER UNDER 24-7 OPERATION

Police reassure country of tight security at common border By ASSUMPTA BUCHANAN MEMBERS of the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) have beefed up security measures to guard the common Western Province border by operating around the clock on a 24/7 operation. Deputy Police Commissioner Ian Vaevaso revealed this yesterday to re-assure the country RSIPF…

Malaita declares day of pray

The Malaita Provincial Government has appointed 13 August commencing this year as the annual day of prayer for Malaita. Malaita Provincial Premier Daniel Suidani launched the Malaita Day of Prayer yesterday at the St Paul Anglican Church in Auki in the presence of church leaders from different denominations. It was also witnessed by members of…

Maneniaru questions marine inquiry

THE Undersecretary of the Ministry of Infrastructure Development (MID) Jimmy Nuake says the report by the Board of Marine inquiring into the fatal ferry incident is still unclear whether it will be made public or not. He made this assurance when Public Accounts Committee (PAC) member and Member of Parliament for West Are’are John Maneniaru…

Bill passed second reading

THE 2020 Supplementary Appropriation Bill 2020 has passed through its second reading in the parliament after it was tabled by the Minister for Finance and Treasury Harry Kuma, Wednesday. The 2020 Supplementary Appropriation Bill 2020 has been prepared for the current sitting of Parliament as required under section 102 (3) of the Constitution and section 51…

Former MP’s sentence, Aug 19

SENTENCING of the former Central Makira Member of Parliament (MP) who was found guilty of misusing more than $66,000 intended for tree farmers in his constituency in 2013 will be handed down on August 19. This was after Principal Magistrate Fatima Taeburi received sentencing submissions from the prosecution on Wednesday on the case of Hypolite Taremae.…

Ngati, Abae deny allegations

THE two Honiara City Councilors accused of intimidating Honiara City Clerk Rence Sore at the Councils headquarters in June have denied the allegation, Wednesday. Vavaya Ward Councilor Billy Abae and Vura Ward’s Reginald Ngati have pleaded not guilty to the intimidation charges against them. Having noted their not guilty pleas, Principal Magistrate Tearo Beneteti set…