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By Ronald Toito’ona An audit of the Economic Stimulus Package (ESP) has raised concerns about “possible double-dipping” and “conflicts of interest” involving a government official who received more than SBD$500,000 in grants. Auditor General David Dennis said that this official, who he declined to name, was part of the ESP…
The 1984th U.S. Army Hospital Pacific (USAH-P), a brigade of the 9th Mission Support Command, continued its Global Healthcare Engagement (GHE) across the provinces of Solomon Islands, with particular focus on Auki, Honiara, Gizo, and Munda. In Munda, the team’s centerpiece was the introduction of a new ultrasound machine, an…
By EDNAL PALMER Most of the Economic Stimulus Package (ESP) payments that were made to the productive and resources sector through the Ministry of Finance system and through Imprest Account were corrupt, according to an audit report. Grants paid to this sector accounts for the highest payout from the ESP’s…
Solomon Islands-based solo artist Chris Kamu’ana Rohoimae has emerged as the winner of Pacific Break 2024, with his moving song Naratana manu taking out first place. The 28-year-old from the Malaita Province won the competition, beating more than 300 entries from 18 Pacific nations, and will now join the lineup for Australia’s…
Auditor General David Dennis today released his latest audit report on the controversial $309 million Economic Stimulus Package (ESP) the last government came up with in 2020 to address the negative impacts of COVID-19 on the Solomon Islands economy. The ESP initiative, according to former prime minister Manasseh Sogavare, would…
By Ednal Palmer An audit report on the $306million Economic Stimulus Package (ESP) has produced disturbing finds – from serious procurement breaches to lack of compliance, conflict of interests and ghost recipients. The Audit report was released today to members of the media by the Auditor General David Teika Dennis…
By RONALD TOITO’ONA The Solomon Islands National Provident Fund (SINPF) has revealed a mixed financial performance for the 2023-2024 financial year, when the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and General Manager, Michael Wate provided an in-depth overview of the fund’s financial and operational performance for the fiscal year ending 30 June…
Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele today opened Solomon Islands’ new Embassy in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE), giving his country a permanent presence in the Gulf region. Manele skipped the annual General Assembly Meeting of the United Nations in New York, United States, to travel instead to the UEA to…
Police in Western Province have arrested and detained a man who allegedly attacked his 15-year-old nephew with a bush knife after inviting him into his house. The incident happened last week in the remote Shortland islands. Supervising Provincial Police Commander (PPC) Western Province, Superintendent Wilken Miriki said the 33-year-old man…
By RONALD TOITO’ONA The Solomon Islands National Provident Fund (SINPF) has declared a 4% crediting rate to its members for the 2023-24 financial year – 2 per cent down from last year’s 6%. A total of $128,726,582 will be paid to its over 248,000 members starting today. The announcement was made…
