Chief Justice Sir Albert Palmer has reiterated the new to review the salaries and terms and conditions of judges.
He highlighted this, Friday, when the court farewelled Australian judge Stephen Pallaras, who ended his contract here.
Palmer said the salaries and terms and conditions of judges need to be made attractive so that the cream of the private Bar and those in the Legal Departments can consider a career on the Bench.
He said this is something a new government must not ignore to protect the independence of the judiciary and to ensure that the highest courts in this country have the best legal minds and lawyers serving on the Bench.
Parties field over 30 candidates
The Political Parties Commission says three political parties have fielded over 30 candidates to contest the November 19 National General Elections.
They are the United Democratic Party, the People’s Alliance Party and the National Transformation Party of Solomon Islands.
Twelve political parties have registered to contest the seats in the 50-member National Parliament.
Meanwhile, the Solomon Islands Electoral Commission has reminded voters nationwide to remember to vote only once, adding voters should not vote for other voters.
It adds electoral officials will not allow voters to cast their ballot papers after 5 o’clock in the afternoon on the Election Day.
Regional police here to ensure peace
Ninety police personnel from the participating countries of the Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands are now in the country to help the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force ascertain peaceful general elections.
The arriving regional police personnel boost RAMSI which had drastically reduced its policing operations to 150 personnel.
They will work alongside those of the local police force to provide security over polling booths that are spread throughout the nine provinces.
Commissioner of Police, Frank Prendergast welcomes the additional number because the RSIPF sees the elections on November 19th as a combined responsibility of the home police and the broader community.
Prendergast says the police wants community co-operation to ensure things go peacefully and voters will be allowed to vote freely.
He says 180 police officers are being deployed this week to the provinces for the polling day.
Prendergast says the plan is to increase the number of security personnel in Honiara after the elections as elected MPs arrive to be sworn in and to elect a new Speaker of Parliament and a new Prime Minister.
Former broadcaster disapproves Unified Voice
A former agricultural broadcaster, Chris Suaga of West Kwara’ae, Malaita Province, has expressed his disappointment over the poor standard of broadcasting on the Unified Voice of Wantok FM and the SIBC.
He says the broadcasting style of Wantok FM kills the Solomon Islands Broadcasting Corporation, the country’s National Voice.
Suaga, who underwent a broadcast training with the Australian Broadcasting Commission in Australia, says the Wantok FM should be kicked out, so the SIBC can retain its national identity.
He says SIBC is a national radio which must remain autonomous and keeps its integrity and image.
He says Wantok FM under the Unified Voice is boring and should be cut off air.
Western Premier falls ill
A report from Gizo, Western Provincial capital says the Premier of Western Province, Robert Pye Kuve has been hospitalized following a mild medical condition.
Kuve is contesting the North Vella Lavella seat in the National Elections on November 19th.
But the report says although he is recovering at a good speed, the illness may not allow him to take part in the election campaign.
He is on an unpaid leave to contest the elections.
Party appeals for support
The President of the Youth Own Urban-Rural Party, Jonathan Zama is appealing for the support of youth voters in the November 19th National Elections.
He says youths of both genders should support his party because its focus is based mainly on empowering them to take active part in advancing the national economy and ensuring a prosperous Solomon Islands.
Zama says Youth Party recognizes youth needs and problems, unlike other political parties which had governed Solomon Islands, because it shares their dreams.
He says the party is the dawn of a new beginning for Solomon Islands, especially the young people.
Zama says his party will ensure there will no longer be a mock parliament because it will provide a real parliament chamber with leaders who have respect and integrity.
Zama is contesting the Central Honiara Parliamentary seat.
Bakery owner denies claim
Bakery owner Billy Wong says he didn’t believe a family found a needle in a bread produced by his company.
A family last Sunday claimed they found a needle in a bread, which is produced by Nature Bread.
But Wong said this cannot be so because the environment within his bakery was clean and tidy.
“So the news is nothing but speculation.
“We are here six years now and no time has anyone lodge a complaint against my operation,” Wong said.
He said the family should report the matter to the police and health authorities.
Wong claimed his workers used proper uniform, including gloves, when they are working and that his bakery has been inspected by health authorities.
Malaitan businessmen to contest
Eight Malaitan businessmen are set to contest in the November 19 elections.
They are Matthew Cooper Wale contesting for Aoke/LangaLanga, , Jackson Fiulaua for Central Kwaraáe, Charles Dausabea for East Fataleka, Joseph Au for Small Malaita, John Meke and John Jesse Kwaita for Lau/ Baelelea, Tinwen Zheng for West Kwaraáe, and John Junior Fera for West Kwaio.
Two candidates are outgoing parliament members who are deputy opposition leader Matthew Wale and government backbencher Jackson Fiulaua then Charles Dausabea a former parliamentarian
. And Joseph Au outgoing provincial member for ward one in Auki.
Zheng is a Chinese born Solomon Islander. Zheng, Kwaita and Fera are three new contestants in their respective constituencies.
Meanwhile, Wale and Meke’s shops in Auki are closed for business this session which the public believed was to allow them time to campaign.
All candidates variedly owned wholesale and retail shops, motels, restaurants, healthcare centres, and fuel services.
