Solomon Islands

New commercial bank opens for business in Solomon Islands

The bank received the final letter of authorization from the Central Bank of Solomon Islands (CBSI) on Monday.

Governor of CBSI Denton Rarawa issued the final letter of approval after the Central Bank carried out a final inspection of the premises and its banking chamber.

The CBSI says the opening of BRED Bank Solomon will allow businesses, corporate clients, and the general public opportunities to make choices of banking services available in Solomon Islands.

At the same time, the number of commercial banks in Solomon Islands has now increased to four.

Australia assists in long-term recovery programme for earthquake-hit Makira

The province was struck by a magnitude 7.8 quake that damaged about 35 houses including the police barracks and hospital.

At the time Australian Foreign Minister, Julie Bishop assured the government of Solomon Islands that Australia is ready to provide any support once requested.

Last night Australia’s Minister for International Development and the Pacific, Senator Concetta Fierravanti-Wells confirmed the Australian government’s support.

Solomons declare Bloody Ridge a national park

Bloody Ridge, or Edson's Ridge, near Honiara was fought over by Japanese and American troops during the Battle of Guadalcanal, which claimed nearly 40,000 lives.

This week Solomon Islands has been marking the 75th anniversary of the battle and as part of the commemorations the Solomons Prime Minister Manasseh Sogovare has unveiled a monument to the pivotal battle.

Bloody Ridge's new status has been described as "a testament to peace, unity and friendship".

Alarming: Sea-level rise in Solomon Islands doubles global average

Director of Solomon Islands Meteorological Services David Hiba who is now studying at Reading University in the UK said the current sea level in Solomon Island is more than doubled the global average.
 
“This is the net sea level rise after filtering out noises such as tides, earth movement, meteorological factors etc,” Hiba said.
 

Loggers accused of destroying mangroves in Solomons

The owners of the forest of Rurata in the East Are 'Are area in the province's south are reportedly furious over the destruction caused.

They use mangrove trees as posts for their houses and mangrove swamps provide the habitat for food sources like mud crabs, shellfish and mangrove fruit.

The Solomon Star reported the MEGA logging company cut down the mangrove forest to use the trees as posts for a new wharf it is building.

The paper reported the people were also worried the company had extracted coral from their reefs for the wharf building.

 

20 arrested after sorcery related arson in Solomon Islands

The incident on Tuesday came amid claims a woman in Maoro Village was a sorcerer and responsible for the sudden death of a local teacher.

RNZI reports 20 men from East Kwara'ae had demanded compensation and when this was not forthcoming police say they burned down the two traditional houses and looted the properties.

The men have since been arrested.

 

Photo file centralmalaita. blogpsot: Caption: Auki, the provincial capital of Malaita 

     

Solomons to declare national park at WWII battle site

It is one of several key events during the 75th commemorations of the historic World War Two battle.

About 1000 soldiers died on Bloody Ridge which the Solomons' government says is one of the world's most important World War Two sites.

Sir Bruce Saunders, of the Solomons' Scouts and Coastwatchers Trust, which is one of the organisers of the commemorations, says Bloody Ridge was adjacent to Henderson Field airport - the key prize sought in the fighting.

Solomons aims to boost tertiary education

The education minister John Moffat Fugui said currently only three percent of the population has had the chance to obtain higher education.

He said the government would this year spend $US37 million on scholarships for students to attend the National University in Honiara and other regional tertiary institutions.

Mr Fugui also said the ministry would set up 500 scholarship Awards for 2018 to be fully and partially funded by the government.

Brazilian duo make first appearance with Solomon Islands Marist FC

The duo, Diego Maximo and Marcelo Oliveira arrived in Honiara last Thursday and made an impressive performance in their first appearance.

Feeling excited about their first appearance they assured the club that they are now part of the team and will make sure to help the team win the Telekom S League and qualify for the OFC Champion League.

“We want to let you know that we are very happy to be here and be part of the team.

“I know how strong this team is because I have played against you guys in the OFC champion league,” Maximo told his team mates.

Ground-breaking ceremony for 4th USP campus in Solomon Islands

The Minister of Education and Human Resource Development, John Moffat Fugui announced the plan during the USPSI open day last Friday.

Mr Fugui said once the ground-breaking is done the construction will commence in September this year.

The Minister said his ministry will do all it can to support the development because it will create a better learning environment for all Solomon Islanders as well the students from other Pacific countries.

USPSI Campus Director, Dr Patricia Rodie said the development of the fourth campus is their top priority.