THE GOVERNMENT has imposed further tax charges on cigarette products as part of controlling smoking in the country. Permanent Secretary (PS) for Ministry of Finance and Treasury (MoFT) Harry Kuma revealed this when he appeared before the Parliamentary Public Accounts Committee (PAC) on Friday. He said government has increased the tax duty for cigarettes and…
THE Member of Parliament for South Guadalcanal David Dei Pacha is the new Deputy Speaker of Parliament. Pacha was elected unopposed to the post when Parliament resumed on Monday. Pacha and the Member of Parliament for East Fataleka Steve Abana were the two nominees for the position but the latter withdrew his candidacy yesterday morning…
Only 17 government ministers and backbenchers attended an urgent Caucus meeting called for on Sunday to ascertain the support of the Democratic Coalition for Change Government (DCCG) for the leadership of Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare, Caucus insiders revealed. The meeting was convened amidst reports that 29 Members of Parliament including government ministers and backbenchers have…
Solomon Islands’ Ambassador to the United Nations (UN) and the United States (US) has visited local police officers serving in Dafur, Sudan last week. Robert Sisilo said the Contingent of 5 Police Officers serving in the United Nations African Mission in Dafur (UNAMID). UNAMID was set up to protect civilians in Dafur where militia groups…
The Government through the Public Service Commission has filled three vacant Permanent Secretary Positions for three Ministries Friday last week (August18). Among the three appointments, one is a female who has recently completed a Masters in Development Policy (International & Sustainable Development). Ms Karen Barimata Galokale has been appointed as the new PS for the…
Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare has never touched a single cent in his $5 million shipping grant allocation from the Government’s National Transport Fund. And he has welcomed calls by the former Minister for Infrastructure Development, Hon. Jimmy Lusibaea, for an investigation into how his $5 million allocation has been spent in order that the truth…
In a sea tragedy in East Fataleka, Malaita Three persons have reportedly died at sea in north east Malaita after the boat they were travelling in capsized in rough seas on Saturday afternoon. Amongst the deceased are one woman, one elderly man and one middle aged man. The group returned after mourning the death of…
The Solomon Islands are an archipelago filled with idyllic beaches and perfect waves, but as temperatures and sea levels rise, much of their pristine coast is disappearing. ASHTYN DOUGLAS of www.surf.com reports From the window seat of our small aircraft, the islands 13,000 feet beneath us looked like uncut emeralds poking out of a vibrant…
Claim: 29 MPs sign to remove Sogavare A move to oust Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare is reported to be gaining momentum. One of masterminds of the move, who is also a MP, told the Sunday Star at least 29 MPs in the Opposition, Independent, and government have signed up to support the move. “We are…
Man who damaged Bloody Ridge monument jailed A YOUNG man who damaged and stole the engraved plaque on a monument at the newly declared Bloody Ridge National Park, east of Honiara, was jailed for two years, Friday. Peter Tagana, 19, pleaded guilty to the charges of wilful & unlawful damage and simple larceny following his…