Revival of DBSI

DEMOCRATIC Coalition for Change (DCC) government led by Manasseh Sogavare plans revive the Development Bank of Solomon Islands (DBSI) early next year. This was revealed by the national consultation for commerce & tourism within the Prime Minister Office (PMO) Martin Housanau, during the official launching of the Rural Development Program (RDP) Component II in Honiara…

Fire tragedy

Early morning blaze claims two young lives This is all that’s left from a family home razed by fire in the early hours of Saturday at the Tasahe B area of west Honiara. Two children were killed and the family lost everything. “This is a real tragedy. Those of us who knew the family are…

Mine stoush continues

The stoush between the national government and the operator of Gold Ridge mine is continuing. The government rejected applications by the operator St Barbara to be allowed to release untreated water from the tailings dam – which contains high levels of arsenic and cyanide. The mine has been closed since last April’s floods – but…

More than 20 mineral firms here to operate

More than 20 mineral companies are seeking exploration and mining licences from the national government to operate in the country. Records the Sunday Star cited show a total of 129 applications have been lodged with the Ministry of Mines, Energy and Rural Electrification. Topping the list are those eying offshore exploration. Offshore or undersea exploration…

PNG investor eyes Gold Ridge mine

A Papua New Guinea investor is reportedly eying to purchase the Gold Ridge mine in central Guadalcanal, and create a joint venture with landowners. Australian firm St Barbara is the current owner. The mine was closed since April last year in the wake of the flash floods that hit Guadalcanal and Honiara. It has not…

Sub-regional hub needed to tackle child labour

Child labour and trafficking is a cross-cutting issue in the Pacific Islands that needs a sub-regional hub to seriously look into and find ways of addressing the issue. International Labour Organisation sub-regional director David Lamotte highlighted this at the close of an ILO sub-regional Child Labour and Trafficking in Nadi, Fiji, Friday.  “We all want…