The Arnavon Community Marine Conservation Area Project in Solomon Islands is selected is selected by the Equator Initiative’s Technical Advisory Committee as one of the 25 winners of the Equator Prize 2008, for providing a strong demonstration of the inventiveness of community-based work undertaken in the Pacific often against tremendous odds.

Besides Arnavon, another two Pacific NGOs that have been recognized globally for outstanding community marine conservation work include the Nguna-Pele Marine Protected Area of Vanuatu and the Conservation Society of Pohnpei, Federated States of Micronesia

The Equator Initiative is a partnership that brings together the United Nations, civil society, businesses, governments and communities to help build the capacity and raise the profile of grassroots people in an effort to reduce poverty through the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity.

Each winner will receive US$5,000 and a Certificate of Achievement to be presented at the Equator Prize Award Ceremony in Barcelona, Spain on 6th October, 2008.

As contenders, an additional US$15,000 will be awarded at the same event to five special recognized initiatives that represent the most outstanding community efforts to reduce poverty and conserve biodiversity in the equatorial belt.

The ceremony is part of the Equator Initiative’s participation in the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) World Conservation Congress taking place in Barcelona from October 6-10.

Source: Pacific Magazine

The Solomon Islands Chief Justice Sir Albert Palmer will determine on Wednesday what sentence is appropriate for the Forestry Minister, Sir Allan Kemakeza, who has been convicted for his role in a raid.

Kemakeza was found guilty of ordering former militants to raid and seize vehicles of legal form Sol Law Limited in 2002.

The Office of the Director of Public Prosecution says his two-month prison sentence is inadequate because the principal offenders have been sentenced to between 25 to 30 months.

The Prosecution says an important point to take into account that Kemakeza was the Prime Minister when the offence was committed.

His lawyer argues that his client received double punishment because in addition to a jail sentence he was ordered to pay a fine.

Source: RNZI

Young entrepreneurs called on the Solomon Islands government to support their goals and potential as business people.

Forty-five young people aged between 18 to 35 have spent the week in a workshop aiming to build their confidence and skills in retail and business.

The workshop was run by the Commonwealth Youth Programme South Pacific in association with UNDP's Pacific Centre and The Body Shop.

"It's been great to learn about the experiences of our Body Shop trainers and relate it back to our experiences and ways in the Solomons," said workshop participant and business woman Jessie Konofilia, who was one of the participant representatives.

"We now appeal to the government to support us - and any other young people - in using what we have learned. We can't do it without you," continued Ms Konofilia.

The aim of the five-day workshop is to strengthen the retail skills of young entrepreneurs and managers in the Solomon Islands. It is being conducted by consultant and business owner Mr Steve Cordeiro with the training support of managers from natural cosmetics and beauty chain The Body Shop, and with logistical support from CYP South Pacific and UNDP's Pacific Centre.

"This course has given us the tools of the trade to go out and realise out potential," said workshop participant and representative Mr Jim Rova. "We are agents of change."

Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce (SICCI) Program Coordinator, Mr Paul Amao last night showed SICCI's support for the group, announcing a new Young Entrepreneurs Sub-Committee to sit within the Chamber. The committee will be made up of a group from the workshop. The participants also received a year's free membership with SICCI.

Last night's ceremony also included a speech from Minister of Women, Youth and Children Honourable Peter Tom; and a showcase of the participant's retail skills.

Source: Solomon Times

Forty three candidates have been nominated to contest two constituency bye-elections on September 23.

Twenty six candidates have been nominated to contest the East Honiara constituency while 17 for Lau/Mbaelelea.

Chief Electoral Officer John Babalu says candidates may withdraw their nomination by August 29 but their nomination fee will not be refunded.

LAU-MBAELELEA
1. Ben Foukona
2. Judson Lee Leafasia
3. John Meke
4. Toata Molea
5. Charles Ferania Sale
6. Luke Tome
7. Paul Maenu'u
8. Kelesi Robu
9. Francis Obea Kairi
10. William Ramo Garaema
11. Walter Folotalu
12. Ronald Unga
13. Allan Billy Arofoa
14. Philip Maebolo Jionesi
15. Robert Mark
16. Eric George Onga
17. Francis Makaa.

East Honiara
1. Jack Donga,
2. Collin Bentley Jr,
3. Silas Chekana
4. Damien James Teobasi
5. Wilfred Belo Fa'ari
6. Peterson Boso Jr,
7. Edward Jacob Ronia
8. Ellison Ryan Sade
9. Alfred Solomon Sasako
10. Simeon Bouro
11. David Dausabea
12. Ramon Quitales Jr
13. Moses Ramo
14. Timothy Omani
15. Joseph Baetolingia
16. Father John Ashley
17. Andrew Kuvu
18. Tagini Makario
19. George Manimu
20. Alfred Maetia
21. Yukio Sato
22. Delmah Lavina Nori
23. Kerry Wate
24. Milikada Miller Silas
25. Robert Gerea
26. Leslie Winston Kakai

Source: SIBC

Those who have been to other countries overseas, are well aware of this, but for North Malaita Constituency this would be another 'first of its kind' for the region at least on a constituency boundary scale.

By end of this year, the To'abaita Authority for Research & Development (TARD) youth volunteer will be installing "WELCOME" and "FAREWELL" signboards at the two borders of the North Malaita Constituency, particularly at Aero River near Fo'ondo in ward 7 and Taba'a River near Matakwalao in ward 9.

The four signboards are now signwritten and ready for installation, thanks to the generous financial support of a couple in the United Kingdom, who funded this new initiative in partnership with TARD.

The welcome and farewell signboards are written in both English and the To'abaita dialect.

This community initiative is aimed at restoring pride, community ownership and belongedness to the people that live within the Constituency. It is also anticipated to provide a different atmosphere for visitors to the constituency.