Solomon Islands

The Solomon Star reports eight people were returning from a funeral on Saturday when the boat they were travelling in capsized in rough seas in north east Malaita.

The five people who survived had been rescued by a World Vision boat stationed at Kwai Island following an emergency rescue call.

Three bodies were recovered over the weekend.

Photo: Biosphoto / Minden Pictures / Chris Newbert

One of them is Sunshine Minerals while two others are yet to confirm.

Sunshine Minerals has been granted a letter of intent by the Solomon Islands Ministry of Mines for its application for a prospecting licence over the Jejevo deposit in Isabel province and a prospecting licence is expected to be issued in due course.

The current mining company which still has interest is Axiom, despite not being granted the rights over the International Tender Areas after a legal battle with SMM.

Assistant Coach Stanley Waita says they want to keep the team together and remain focussed for their game against an experienced All Whites.

When asked about their chances of making history against the All Whites, he said they have to believe in themselves.

“We have to believe in ourselves and take one game at a time,” Waita said.

Solomon Islands recently named its final squad with the inclusion of four new players who will make their debut in the international match.

The new players are Clement Baegani, Clifton Aumae, Andrew Raragia.

The loan will go towards a new fishing vessel for the company National Fisheries Developments and maintenance of its fleet in Noro.

The IFC's Tom Jacobs said the loan would promote sustainable fishing and employment in the Solomons.

"What we're trying to do with our investment is to promote livelihoods, sustainable livelihoods, for Solomon Islanders and help contribute to the security and sort of equity in the country," Mr Jacobs said.

"And by doing so really help bring some enhanced standards to the operation of the fisheries sector in the country."

Solomon Islands’ Minister for Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management and Meteorology, Honourable, Samuel Manetoali welcomed the 170 delegates of the 4th PMC.

In his welcoming address he spoke about the vulnerability of Solomon Islands to the impacts of climate change and climate variability, and highlighted the important work of his country’s National Meteorological and Hydrological Services (NMHS).

The committees, set up in wards, include local political and church leaders, women and youths.

Deputy Police Commissioner, Gabriel Manelusi, said the roll out of the strategy was taking longer than planned but police want to ensure the committees are well established.

He said they would play a vital role in the new crime fighting strategy.

Its aim is to provide police with better intelligence so criminal issues can be dealt with as they develop, rather than the police being reactive.

The Japanese miner started its acquisition of prospecting licences and has been exploring nickel in Isabel and Choiseul province since 2005 but got caught up in a six-year legal battle with Australia’s Axiom Mining.

The legal battle ended in March with neither SMMS nor Axiom being granted the rights over the International Tender Areas.

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.

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.

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".