July, 2017
Reported sinking of a tug boat in Solomon Islands waters.
Dear Editor, Honiara : 28 July 2017 SOLOMON Islands local newspaper, the Solomon Star reported, today, the sinking of a tug boat near Bungana Island in the Central Province on Thursday night, 27 July, about 6.30 pm. At the time of reporting the news, one Asian crew member of the tug boat was reported missing and a search operation was said to have been launched by the RSIPF. Six of the crew, reportedly, managed to struggle out of the sinking boat and swim ashore. It is hoped the missing crewRead More
Ombudsman Bill 2016
Dear Editor, THE Solomon Islands Parliament has passed the Ombudsman Bill 2016 in what is regarded as a first step by the Solomon Islands Government in the fight against corruption. The Anti-Corruption Bill and the Whistleblowers Bill remain to be passed Some of the main objectives of the Ombudsman Bill are: To safeguard the rights of individuals against maladministration, abuse of power or violations of fundamental human rights by the public authorities subject to his jurisdiction; To investigate and form opinions on complaints of defective public administration;To promote fairness, justiceRead More
Greater autonomy for the Ombudsman and awareness of the role on the office
A Radio New Zealand International news bulletin last night, Tuesday, referred specifically to the office and role of the Solomon Islands Ombudsman, mentioning changes to the office had been called for by the Hon. Leader of the Opposition during an address in the Solomon Islands National Parliament. Quoting the bulletin it read – “The leader of the opposition in Solomon Islands has called for more autonomy for the office of the ombudsman. “Jeremiah Manele made the call on the floor of parliament during the second reading of a new bill that aims toRead More
Wong surrenders RIPEL?
DOCUMENTS obtained by Island Sun have revealed businessman Patrick Wong surrendered its claim over Russell Islands Plantation Estates Ltd (RIPEL) parcels of land in 2011. Levers Solomon Ltd also surrendered its claims over fixed term estates in the Russell Islands, the documents show. The document bears the common seal of Levers Solomon Ltd. It was dated 26th August 2011. In the case of parcels of land registered under Cross Pacific Trading Ltd, the company’s common seal was used in the surrender consent form, which bears Mr Wong’s signature, according toRead More
National consultant axed
THE Government has reportedly axed its national consultant on education and health. Jennifer Fugui – wife of the Minister for Education and Human Resources Development (MEHRD) Dr John Fugui – was terminated last week, according to government officials. The action is said to have angered Dr Fugui, who could not be contacted for comment. No explanation was given for the termination, although it would seem it might be to do with cost-cutting measures introduced by the Office of the Prime Minister earlier this year. Others suggest the termination was toRead More
Constituents angered by Pacha’s footage
SOUTH Guadalcanal Member of Parliament, David Day Pacha’s recent revelation of a ‘secret’ meeting with a controversial Asian miner has come under fire from the people of south Guadalcanal constituency. A group of constituents raged their anger during a visit to The Island Sun yesterday, describing the MP’s alleged revelation as a ‘disgrace’ to the people of South Guadalcanal. In a widely publicised footage last week, the Parliamentary Opposition have alleged Mr Pacha who is the Minister responsible for Mines and Energy, was seen having discussions with an Asian logger-bauxiteRead More
Citizens have the right to hold Leaders accountable
MEMBERS of Parliament (MPs) have been reminded that citizens of the country have the ability to hold them accountable in order to have a transparent, thriving and robust democracy. Leader of the Official Opposition Hon Jeremiah Manele made the statement yesterday in Parliament in his contribution to the Ombudsman Bill 2016. “Mr Speaker, we must be reminded that the ability of citizens to hold their government to account is fundamental to a robust democracy. “The rule of law requires that parliament is ultimately accountable to the voters or citizens, andRead More
Ruling on alleged arsonist today
RULING on the case against three men alleged to have set fire to five excavators in Rennell Island will be made in the Honiara Magistrate Court today. A Defence lawyer representing the three accused made a no case to answer submission after the prosecution closed their case during a trial that was conducted. The accused men- Oea Tiki, Tangosia Jimmy and Taukia Willie all denied the charge when arraigned in the Magistrate Court in Honiara. The Prosecution alleged that the incident occurred on May 12 2016 at Rennell Island RenbelRead More
Woman alleged of stealing money from SIG to appear in court
CASE against a woman charged for stealing more than SBD20, 000.00 from the Solomon Islands Government will appear again in court today. This is for the schedule of a new trial date after the previous magistrate who set up the trial date retired. A voir dire has been conducted on the matter previously and was admissible as evidence in court. The accused Enith Fairamoa was charged with one count of larceny and embezzlement. Prosecution alleged that the woman had stolen SBD28, 819.44 from the Solomon Islands Government on 12 MayRead More
Australia unhappy with treatment of mining investors here
AUSTRALIA has voiced their concern over the treatment made on applications from Australian mining companies in the Solomon Islands. Australian Assistant Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment, Hon Keith Pitt MP raised that concern during the official opening of the 9th Australia Solomon Islands Business Forum yesterday in Honiara. “To be honest, the Australian Government has received expressions of concern from some of our mining companies, around the treatment of license applications. “They believe the processing of mining licenses has not always been consistent with Solomon Islands’ legislation,” he said.Read More