Saitala: ‘Ordinary resident’ a contentious issue By AATAI JOHN LAUNGI MOVEMENT of voters from one constituency to another will remain an election issue due to the broad definition of the term “ordinary resident”. That’s according to Chief Electoral Officer Mose Saitala. Mr Saitala explained that to register and vote in a constituency is defined…
MEMBER of Parliament (MP) for East Malaita and Leader of the Parliamentary Opposition group Manasseh Maelanga welcomes the move to re-establish the public works department (PWD) under the Ministry of Infrastructure Development (MID). MID Permanent Secretary (PS) Steven Maesiola expressed his intention to bring back the department to purposely look after the road work. Speaking…
Big Mountain’s front man Joaquin ‘Quino’ McWhinney says that we need to care for the mother earth. He made the statement this during the band’s one off live concert at the Heritage Park Hotel car park area in Honiara over the weekend. “Our mother earth needs to be protected from harm. “It is you and…
Transparency Solomon Islands (TSI) claimed it has been made aware by reliable sources that funds needed by the appointed Electoral Officials and substantive Electoral Officials to carry out their duties and responsibilities is slow in reaching them or has not been released. In a statement on Tuesday TSI said this is a big concern as…
THE national stakeholders consultations on the proposed mining bill needs to reach the rural communities. A woman participant and former president of the Guadalcanal council of women Mary Bollen made the statement at the two days national mining forum consultation held at the Heritage Park Hotel. Ms Bollen said despite the forum is a step…
Most of the Members of Parliament (MPs) want Clause 67 in the Electoral Bill 2018 to be amended considering the cultural sensitivity of this particular clause. Clause 67 (3) stated that if a candidate dies after the end of the nomination period and before the polling day the Electoral Commission must request the Governor General…
THE Ministry of Communication and Aviation has been unable to monitor and police licensed drone owners due to lack of finance and staff. Minister Peter Shanel clarified this in parliament in response to a question asked by the MP for Aoke/Langalanga Mathew Wale. Mr Wale wanted to know how the ministry polices licensed drone owners…
ETHEL Frances’ recent appointment as the new Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock was not done on the basis of her political affiliation. Rather, the Public Service Commission (PSC) made the appointment in consultation with the Office of the Prime Minister and Cabinet. Press Secretary of the Prime Minister, Douglas Marau, made…
A SURVEY to determine the stock status of certain key commercial marine species in selected sites around the country will be carried out soon. Inshore fisheries division staff of the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources will conduct the survey to ascertain the population of certain marine species with the view to encourage local people…
* Alleged burglars to face court today* Taxi driver tried for abduction* Men jailed for brewing kwaso Alleged burglars to face court today TWO men accused of separate break-ins in Honiara in 2015 will appear in the Honiara Magistrates’ Court today. Frank Firimolea is facing one count of house break-in, while another male (SR) who…