Solomon Islands

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.
 

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.

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 

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.

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.

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.

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.

Vanuatu started the match as the better side dominating the game inside the first 20 minutes with star player Bong Kalo having multiple shots on goal but barely troubling the impressive Bonito keeper, Philip Mango.

The hosts opted to a more defensive style of play, but found more rhythm heading into the middle of the first half with the ever impressive Micah Lea’alafa continuously causing havoc for the Vanuatu defense.

Lea’alafa teaming up with Jerry Donga, and Gagame Feni was the nemesis for the Ni Vans.

The plan will include raising awareness about crocodile hotspots and precautions, exploring options and making policy recommendations for the current crocodile ban and trade.

The ministry also intends to conduct a national survey for crocodile population status, distribution and developing management plan.

The increase in the population of crocodiles is posing to communities particularly to those residing in coastal areas.

President of Vanuatu Rugby League Tom Carlo said at this stage they just completed the Port Villa Rugby League season.

He said a high performance squad representing the Port Vila Fire Ants will be selected to play against Santo Boars for the Annual Island of Origin.

He said after the Annual Island of Origin, a final selection trial for the squad will then be selected to travel to Solomon Islands for the test match.