Australia responds to illicit drug trafficking ‘shame’ with stronger security partnerships
Australian Federal Police (AFP) Commissioner Krissy Barrett has described illicit drug trafficking through the Pacific as “Australia’s shame” and said Australia is strengthening security partnerships with Solomon Islands to combat organised crime.
She said the two new vessels gifted to Solomon Islands by AFP as part of a broader AUD $6.5 million (over SBD $33 million) Australian Government investment in maritime policing across Solomon Islands and Vanuatu are just one way how we fight back together against criminals who think they are untouchable.
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https://theislandsun.com.sb/australia-responds-to.../
Solomon Islands launches PacFresH2O programme to strengthen Freshwater Security
Solomon Islands launched the PacFresH2O Programme this morning, a regional initiative to protect freshwater resources and strengthen climate resilience across Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea.
The initiative brought together government representatives, development partners, civil society organisations, provincial authorities and community representatives.
Read more
https://theislandsun.com.sb/solomon-islands-launches.../
Recent fire incidents in Auki prompts urgent call for fire department
Malaita Provincial Police Commander Michael Ramosaea is calling for a fully equipped and properly staffed fire service in Auki after several recent fires exposed serious gaps in firefighting resources.
He warned that Auki’s growing population and development make a permanent fire department an urgent priority to protect residents, businesses and property.
Read more
https://theislandsun.com.sb/fire-incidents-highlight.../
Finance minister raises concern over absence of visible capital inflows from mining
Finance Minister Gordon Darcy Lilo has raised concerns over the lack of visible capital inflows from the mining sector into Solomon Islands’ national accounts despite gold exports projected to increase to around $3.4 billion.
He said the Government will treat the matter seriously and commit to examining the issue further, describing it as a problem that needs to be addressed.
Read more
https://theislandsun.com.sb/finance-minister-raises.../
PM Wale discusses stronger economic ties with Indonesia, focusing on agriculture, education, skills and investment opportunities. PRIME Minister Hon. Matthew Wale has discussed strengthening economic ties and deepening cooperation in agriculture and education with Indonesia. These were key areas of discussion with Indonesia’s Ambassador to Solomon Islands, His Excellency Octo Dorimus Manik when he made [...]
The post PM WALE DISCUSSES ECONOMIC TIES WITH INDONESIA appeared first on Tavuli News (Solomon Islands) .
瓦尔总理讨论与印尼的经济关系,重点关注农业、教育、技能和投资机会。瓦尔总理(Hon. Matthew Wale)与印尼驻所罗门群岛大使奥克托·多里穆斯·马尼克(His Excellency Octo Dorimus Manik)讨论了加强经济关系和深化在农业和教育领域的合作。这些是......
该文章最初发布在 Tavuli News(所罗门群岛)上。
BY JOHN HOUANIHAU
The Government is pushing ahead with major reforms to Solomon Islands’ tax system, with Minister of Finance and Treasury Gordon Darcy Lilo warning that tax exemptions and abuse are costing the country much-needed revenue.
Lilo made the remarks in Parliament this morning while outlining the Government’s fiscal performance and its plans to reform the tax system.
Speaking in Parliament during debate on the 2026 Supplementary Appropriation Bill, Lilo said the Government wants a tax system that is “fair, simple, broad and even-handed”, with individuals and businesses contributing their proper share.
“We want to provide tax relief, but at the same time do not tolerate tax abuse,” Lilo said.
He described tax reform as one of the Ministry of Finance and Treasury’s major areas of progress.
He said Parliament has already passed the Tax Administration Act as the first stage of the reform programme.
Lilo said the Act will strengthen tax administration and governance, improve compliance and support better revenue collection.
“The Government is also preparing legislation for a broad-based consumption tax system, including a proposed value-added tax (VAT), which is expected to come before Parliament this year,” he said.
He also announced plans for a third rewrite of the Income Tax Act.
Lilo said income tax will need to come down “a little bit”, while excise taxes will also need to remain low to balance the proposed VAT system.
He said the Government is also looking at how essential services such as electricity and water will be treated under the new tax system.
The Minister said tax exemptions should not simply allow money to leave the country without contributing to the domestic economy.
He pointed to the removal of import duty exemptions previously granted to the country’s two major oil-importing companies.
Lilo said the Government removed the exemptions after fuel prices rose sharply, and argued that removing the exemptions had not resulted in the price increases that were initially feared.
“Meanwhile, tax collections remained strong in the first half of 2026. Inland Revenue collected about $1.6 billion by June, representing 49 percent of its annual target and $223 million above the six-month budget target,” he said.
Lilo attributed the strong performance to stronger economic activity, improved tax compliance and increased collections from company tax, withholding tax and personal income tax, particularly from the mining sector.
“The Government has now revised its full-year Inland Revenue collection target upward to about $3.2 billion, an increase of $383 million. However, sales tax collections were about $4.9 million below the six-month forecast.
“Customs and excise collections also underperformed, reaching about $499 million, or $60.9 million below the six-month budget target. The shortfall was mainly linked to weaker export and import duty collections,” he said.
Lilo said the Government’s tax reforms intend to strengthen domestic revenue and ensure public services have a more reliable source of funding.
Photo credit: NPSI
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BY BEN BILUA
Gizo
STUDENTS in Western Province wishing to pursue tertiary education will soon have the opportunity to study closer to home, with plans underway for a Solomon Islands National University (SINU) campus at Poitete, Kolombangara Island.
The proposed campus is part of SINU’s efforts to expand tertiary education and training opportunities beyond Honiara.
The development gained further momentum this week when a Western Provincial Government delegation, led by Deputy Premier Brian Lotikena, met with SINU Pro Vice-Chancellor Corporate Services Willaim Parairato and Acting Manager Council Edward Biku.
The meeting focused on several areas of collaboration, including securing approximately 20 hectares of land in Gizo for a proposed SINU campus, the subdivision and transfer of approximately 18 hectares of land at Poitete, Kolombangara, to SINU, and strengthening Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) through Rural Training Centres (RTCs) across the province.
Lotikena reaffirmed the Western Provincial Government’s support for SINU’s proposal to secure land in Gizo, saying the initiative will create opportunities for the university to expand its tertiary education and training services in the province.
He said the proposal is also important to strengthen and expand Rural Training Centres throughout Western Province.
Lotikena said establishing education and training facilities in the province will allow young people to access practical skills and training without having to travel to Honiara.
“This will provide our young people with greater access to practical skills and training closer to their communities,” he said.
Parairato acknowledged and thanked the Western Provincial Government for its continued support of SINU’s efforts to expand tertiary education and training opportunities in Western Province and the country.
He said SINU was established under an Act of Parliament and has a statutory mandate to advance tertiary education and contribute to national development.
Parairato said part of SINU’s ambition is to extend education and training opportunities to the provinces.
He said the university looks forward to completing the necessary arrangements for the proposed Poitete Campus.
Parairato also revealed that refurbishment of facilities at Poitete will be undertaken with support from the Government of India.
He said the refurbishment will enable SINU to further expand its education and training services in Western Province.
The Western Provincial Government delegation included seven Members of the Provincial Assembly (MPAs) and Supervising Provincial Secretary Collin Potakana.
If realised, the Poitete Campus could significantly improve access to tertiary education for students in Western Province, particularly those who cannot afford the cost of travelling and living in Honiara to pursue further studies.
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BY JOSES SAREN
The Ministry of Provincial Government and Institutional Strengthening (MPGIS) has accounted for $18.6 million in advanced funds it used last year, including a $17.47 million grant tranche to all nine provinces.
Appearing before the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) inquiry into the 2025 Supplementary Bill 2026 Tuesday afternoon, Permanent Secretary Dr Derek Futaiasi said the advanced warrants total $18,585,410.67.
The full amount breaks down into four components: $17,467,954.63 in subventions and grants, about $1 million for climate change officer salaries, $35,000 for ICT equipment, and $9,128 for miscellaneous office costs.
The subventions and grants line represent the additional 2025–2026 tranche for provinces under the Integrated Economic Development and Community Resilience Project (IEDCR).
“This is basically for additional grant for the IEDCR project, due for release in 2025–2026 for the qualifying provinces,” Mr Futaiasi told the Committee.
However, Futaiasi also flagged a discrepancy in the bill itself, noting that the Chart of Accounts breakdown printed in the bill does not match what the ministry submitted, though the bottom-line total remains unchanged.
The Committee ordered the ministry to correct the figures before the bill reaches its committee stage in Parliament.
The IEDCR project is jointly supported by the UNDP’s Government for Resilience Project (Gov4RES) and the World Bank’s International Development Association (IDA). Its climate resilience component runs through UNCDF’s Local Climate Adaptive Living Facility (LoCAL). Every province now has a draft climate strategy under that facility, said Permanent Secretary for MPGIS. The salary allocation covers seven officers recruited under LoCAL.
CTA-PGSP/PM-IEDCR Momodou Sawaneh confirmed that the $17.4 million grant was disbursed to all nine provinces under the programme’s standard allocation formula, while the $1,073,000 covered salaries for the seven LoCAL-recruited officers.
During questioning, Manasseh Sogavare, MP for East Choiseul and leader of Opposition, asked whether procurement followed Government process or donor procedures.
Futaiasi confirmed government process applied throughout, explaining that the Provincial Capacity Development Fund (PCDF)—the performance-based grant mechanism used to move the funds—now operates entirely within state systems.
Jeremiah Manele, MP for Hograno/Kia/Havulei, pressed for specifics on which provinces currently qualify for funding.
The Chair then asked whether the funds were SIG money or a World Bank concessional loan, and what would happen to a province’s allocation if it fails to qualify in a future year.
Mr Sawaneh clarified that LoCAL funding is 100 percent grant, and that US$6 million of the wider IEDCR pool is a concessional IDA loan, on top of a separate $30 million the SIG contributes annually to the PCDF. He added that while all nine provinces qualified for PCDF funding in the last assessment, only eight of nine have qualified so far this year. The question of what happens to a disqualified province’s money went unanswered as time ran out and the Chair moved on.
Citing time pressure, the Chair closed the hearing and said outstanding technical and compliance questions would be sent to the ministry in writing for its report.
BY BEN BILUA
Gizo
PREMIER of Western Province Billy Veo has presented the province’s development aspirations to Prime Minister Matthew Wale during their meeting this week.
Veo said Western Province stands ready to work closely with the national government to unlock development opportunities in key sectors including fisheries, energy, agriculture, mining and education.
He said the province has the resources and potential to drive economic growth but needs stronger government support and consideration to fully realise those opportunities.
Veo said Western Province is keen to see stability, economic development and tangible improvements in the lives of its people.
He said the province’s key focus is to continue advancing development and improving services that directly respond to the needs of communities.
In response, Prime Minister Wale said provinces must increasingly become active participants in commercial and economic development.
“We want all provinces to go into commercial activity. That is the way of the future,” he said.
Wale said the government wants to see stronger provincial governments, greater local decision-making and more resources reaching communities.
He reaffirmed his government’s commitment to decentralising powers, resources and services to provincial governments.
Wale said provinces should have greater responsibility and resources to drive development, create employment opportunities and improve essential services.
“More power must be given to the provincial governments, and more resources must go down. That is the future,” he said.
He said the national discussion should not focus solely on whether the country adopts a federal or state government system, but on ensuring provinces receive real powers and adequate resources to drive development.
The Prime Minister’s comments signal a greater role for provincial governments in driving economic activity and delivering development at the community level.
For Western Province, the focus remains on turning its substantial natural resources into sustainable economic opportunities and developing its human capital to provide better services.
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By Ednal Palmer The handover of two new NAIAD vessels to the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) has sent...
The post ‘These Criminals Are Not Untouchable’: New Pacific Warning to Drug Cartels appeared first on In-depth Solomons .
Central Coast FC beat AS Venus 3-0 to revive their OFC Men’s Champions League semi-final hopes in Lautoka Having narrowly lost to defending champions Auckland City FC on Monday, the Solomon Islands side were keen to bounce back and did so in style, dominating from the off. It was AS Venus however who had the [...]
The post CENTRAL COAST FC BEAT AS VENUS IN LAUTOKA appeared first on Tavuli News (Solomon Islands) .
China Provides SBD$100,000 Grant for Small Malaita Boat Projects
The Small Malaita Constituency Office has welcomed continued support from the Government of the People’s Republic of China following the receipt of SBD$100,000 in grant assistance for community development projects.
The funding was provided through the Chinese Embassy’s Small and Sustainable Development Project Fund and will support the purchase of two boats and one engine for the AIAU Association in Tawaro Village and a family of seven sisters from Fanalei Village.
The initiative is aimed at improving sea transportation for rural communities, providing safer and more reliable access to markets, health services, schools and other essential services.
Constituency Development Officer Brown Honimae expressed appreciation to the Chinese Government for its continued support of community development in Small Malaita and Solomon Islands.
Honimae said the assistance reflected the strong partnership and enduring friendship between Solomon Islands and China, while delivering practical benefits to rural communities.
He said reliable boats are essential for many remote communities, where sea transportation is a necessity rather than a luxury.
The Small Malaita Constituency Office also reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring development assistance is managed through a fair and transparent process and directed towards projects that deliver lasting benefits to local communities.
The office said it would continue working with development partners to support practical and sustainable projects aimed at improving livelihoods and the quality of life for people in Small Malaita.
[ENDS]//////
By Ednal Palmer The Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) has strengthened its maritime policing capability after receiving two Naiad...
The post Australia Strengthens RSIPF Maritime Capability with Two Naiad Boats appeared first on In-depth Solomons .
The significant economic potential of kava farming in Faifatala’a in West Kwara’ae, Malaita Province was highlighted during a meeting between the Productive Sector of the Prime Minister’s Office Policy Implementation, Monitoring and Evaluation Unit [PIMEU], the Ministry of Commerce, Industry, Labour and Immigration [MCILI], the Faifatala’a Kava Association, and Serenco Labs, a New Zealand-based kava buyer.
The meeting, held at the MCILI conference room, was attended by Faifatala’a farmers’ representative Mr Lazarus Maetoloa and a Serenco Labs representative.
Discussions focused on growing international demand for Solomon Islands kava and the potential to expand the industry.
Serenco Labs is already purchasing commercially suitable Faifatala’a kava, but farmers are currently unable to meet demand consistently.
A major constraint is transporting harvested kava from the mountainous terrain of Faifatala’a to the buying point in Auki.
Other challenges include poor road access, harvesting difficulties, post-harvest processing, reliable energy, quality control, and capacity to operate commercially.
The proposed Faifatala’a Pilot Production Community and Auki Provincial Kava Hub 2026–2031 aims to address these constraints through a plantation-to-market model linking production, transport, processing, quality assurance, value addition, and export.
Faifatala’a currently has approximately 45 households, 19 hectares of established kava, and 102,000 plants in the ground.
Based on a planning assumption of one kilogram of saleable dried kava per mature plant at SBD $300 per kilogram, these existing plants represent a theoretical production potential of 102 tonnes, with an indicative gross farm-gate value of approximately SBD $30.6 million.
Approximately 12,950 three-year-old plants are expected to provide the first significant commercial harvest from January 2027.
The programme also targets 225,000 new plants annually, equivalent to about 45 hectares. At full production, each annual planting cohort could eventually generate approximately SBD $67.5 million in gross farm-gate value.
The Serenco Labs representative highlighted the quality of Solomon Islands kava, particularly its high kavalactone content — the key compounds associated with kava’s calming and relaxing effects.
He said strong interest from overseas buyers shows the main challenge is no longer market demand, but the ability of local farmers to produce, aggregate, process and reliably supply commercial quantities.
Serenco Labs also noted the potential for Solomon Islanders to generate income in their own communities through kava farming.
He added that some PALM workers could potentially earn more by remaining in their villages and investing their labour in commercial kava production, provided reliable markets and supporting infrastructure are available.
Improving access between Faifatala’a and Auki is critical. The challenges highlight the relevance of the GREAT Coalition’s Strategic Corridors policy, which seeks to develop infrastructure and economic corridors to connect production areas with markets.
For Faifatala’a, improved road connectivity could reduce transport costs and post-harvest losses, increase volumes reaching Auki, and strengthen the link between farmers, the proposed Auki Provincial Kava Hub, and export markets.
This places the Ministry of Infrastructure Development [MID] in a key position to support emerging productive-sector opportunities like kava.
The initiative also aligns with the GREAT Coalition’s focus on indigenous SME development, local content, and value addition.
The proposed Auki Kava Hub would support aggregation, quality assurance, drying, grinding, packaging, value-added products, and export preparation. Renewable energy is also proposed to support processing operations.
For the Productive Sector of PIMEU, the initiative demonstrates the Iumi Tugeda approach — bringing together indigenous producers, government, infrastructure, private-sector investment, and international markets.
If key constraints are addressed, Faifatala’a could transform the substantial value of kava already growing in its highlands into sustained household incomes, rural employment, indigenous businesses, and export earnings.
The longer-term ambition is to establish Faifatala’a as a pilot model for a commercially viable kava industry that can be replicated in other kava-growing communities throughout the Solomon Islands.
[end]
GCU statement
The post Faifatala’a kava farmers poised to unlock major economic opportunity first appeared on Solomon Islands Broadcasting Corporation (SIBC) .
Permanent traffic signs are being installed on upgraded roads to improve road safety, traffic flow and guidance. The Ministry of Infrastructure Development (MID), through the Land and Maritime Connectivity Project (LMCP), has commenced the installation of permanent traffic signs along completed sections of the upgraded road network. Initial activities are focused along the Henderson to [...]
The post TRAFFIC SIGN INSTALLATION UNDERWAY ON UPGRADED ROADS appeared first on Tavuli News (Solomon Islands) .
为了提高道路安全、交通流量和指引,永久交通标志正在升级道路上安装。基础设施发展部(Ministry of Infrastructure Development,MID)通过陆地和海洋连接项目(Land and Maritime Connectivity Project,LMCP)已开始在已完成的升级道路网络的各个路段安装永久交通标志。初步活动集中在亨德森到......
该文章的标题为《升级道路上的交通标志安装工作正在进行中》,首次出现在Tavuli News(所罗门群岛)上。
Prime Minister Hon. Matthew Wale has discussed strengthening economic ties and deepening cooperation in agriculture and education with Indonesia.
These were key areas of discussion with Indonesia’s Ambassador to Solomon Islands, His Excellency Octo Dorimus Manik when he made a courtesy visit to the Prime Minister yesterday.
Prime Minister Wale welcomed Ambassador Manik and reaffirmed Solomon Islands’ strong appreciation for its relationship with Indonesia.
“Indonesia is an important regional partner and an important development partner,” he said.
The meeting also discussed the development and rehabilitation of Solomon Islands’ coconut industry.
Prime Minister Wale said the Government wants to move beyond exporting raw copra and develop greater value-added processing to create jobs, increase foreign exchange earnings and maximise the economic potential of the country’s coconut resources.
Ambassador Manik said Indonesia has significant expertise in coconut production, including hybrid varieties and processing and offered to facilitate engagement between Solomon Islands and Indonesian coconut experts and businesses.
He said Indonesia is prepared to help Solomon Islands in that endeavour.
Discussions also include opportunities in cocoa, seaweed and broader agricultural development, including processing and technology transfer.
Ambassador Manik noted that Indonesian companies were already exploring opportunities in Solomon Islands and expressed interest in expanding these engagements.
Education and skills development were other key areas of discussion.
Ambassador Manik highlighted Indonesia’s scholarship programme, stating that 22 Solomon Islands students will be studying at Indonesian universities, compared with nine in the previous year.
Opportunities for vocational and technical training in areas including agriculture, fisheries, automotive, electrical work, welding, plumbing and mechanics were also discussed.
Prime Minister Wale said skills development is essential to the Government’s efforts to transition Solomon Islands from an extractive economy towards processing and manufacturing.
The meeting further covered regional and cultural cooperation, including possible high-level visits and participation in upcoming events in Indonesia.
Ambassador Manik also highlighted Indonesia’s intention to establish a permanent embassy in Solomon Islands to further strengthen diplomatic and economic engagement.
He said Indonesia works with relevant ministries to advance practical cooperation, including pending agreements in education and visa arrangements.
[end]
OPMC statement
The post PM Wale, Indonesia Envoy discuss deeper economic cooperation first appeared on Solomon Islands Broadcasting Corporation (SIBC) .
SIBC Public Service Announcement
SIBC wishes to advise all listeners that our 5020 kHz Shortwave service is currently operating at reduced transmission capacity due to reduced power output from the transmitter at the Henderson Transmission Station.
As a result, listeners in some parts of the country may experience weak reception or intermittent signal quality.
Alternative ways to listen:
AM: 1035 kHz
FM: 96.3 MHz, where available
Online: Listeners with internet access can continue to listen through the SIBC online radio streaming service.
Our Engineering team is actively working to resolve the issue and restore the transmitter to full operating capacity as soon as possible.
We sincerely apologise for any inconvenience and thank you for your patience, understanding and continued support.
SIBC – The Voice of the Nation.
SIBC Public Service Announcement
所罗门广播公司(SIBC)希望通知所有听众,我们的5020 kHz短波服务目前因亨德森发射站的发射功率降低而以降低的发射能力运行。
因此,部分地区的听众可能会遇到信号接收弱或信号质量间歇性的问题。
替代收听方式:
AM:1035 kHz
FM:96.3 MHz(视情况而定)
在线:有互联网接入的听众可以通过SIBC在线广播流媒体服务继续收听。
我们的工程团队正在积极工作,以解决问题并尽快恢复发射机的全功率运行。
我们对造成的任何不便表示诚挚的歉意,并感谢您的耐心、理解和持续支持。
SIBC – 国家之声。
Opposition disputes Peter Kenilorea’s claim that the Solomon Islands-US DFC agreement matches India’s “word for word”. Honiara, Solomon Islands – The Parliamentary Opposition Group has responded to comments by Hon. Peter Kenilorea Jnr during last week’s Motion of Thanks debate, disputing his claim that the Solomon Islands–United States International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) Investment Incentive [...]
The post OPPOSITION RESPONDS TO KENILOREA’S “WORD FOR WORD” CLAIM ON DFC AGREEMENT appeared first on Tavuli News (Solomon Islands) .
PM Wale meets Thailand’s ambassador to discuss trade, investment, agriculture, tourism, education and bilateral cooperation Prime Minister Hon. Matthew Wale has held a courtesy meeting with Thailand’s Ambassador to Solomon Islands, Her Excellency Arjaree Sriratanaban in Honiara yesterday. Discussions were based on opportunities to strengthen bilateral cooperation in trade, investment, agriculture, tourism, education and skills [...]
The post PM WALE SEEKS STRONGER THAILAND PARTNERSHIP IN TRADE, AGRICULTURE AND TOURISM appeared first on Tavuli News (Solomon Islands) .
Australia to hand over Lofung Border and Patrol Boat Outpost to Solomon Islands
Honiara, 13 July 2026: The Government of Australia will hand over the new Lofung Border and Patrol Boat Outpost in the Shortland Islands, Western Province, to the Government and people of the Solomon Islands on Monday, 17 August 2026.
The handover ceremony will be attended by senior officials from both Governments.
Preparations are underway through a joint ministerial committee overseeing logistics and on-site arrangements, with support from Australian counterparts.
The new Outpost marks a major step forward for border security in the Solomon Islands. It will bring together police, customs, bio-security and immigration officials in one location to strengthen management of the country’s western border and support safe, orderly cross-border movement.
Built to withstand regional conditions, the facility will enhance Solomon Islands’ capacity to:
• Strengthen Border Security: Coordinate maritime, police and law enforcement operations
• Respond to Disasters: Support rapid response to natural disasters in the western border area
• Deliver Services: Enable health and government programs for communities in the Shortlands
• Support Economic Growth: Provide a foundation for social and economic development in the region
The Outpost includes new facilities for operations coordination, staff accommodation, and a wharf capable of supporting RSIPV Taro and Gizo, Solomon Islands’ Guardian-class Patrol Boats, as well as Australian-gifted fast boats.
Construction at Lofung South in the Shortland Islands began in 2022.
Australia and the Solomon Islands continue to work in partnership to ensure a secure, stable and prosperous Blue Pacific.
[ENDS]
MID Installs Permanent Traffic Signs Along Upgraded Roads
HONIARA, Solomon Islands – The Ministry of Infrastructure Development (MID) has commenced the installation of permanent traffic signs along completed sections of the upgraded road network under the Land and Maritime Connectivity Project (LMCP).
The initial installation is taking place along the Henderson to Mberande Road in Guadalcanal Province, with work expected to extend to Honiara along Mendana Avenue and Tandai Highway.
The new signs include regulatory, warning and directional signs designed to provide clear guidance to motorists, pedestrians and other road users, while improving traffic flow and reducing the risk of road accidents.
The installation complements other road safety improvements being delivered under the project, including road line markings, bus bays, footpaths, drainage improvements, street lighting, guardrails and guide-posts.
Acting Permanent Secretary of MID, Mike Qaqara, described the installation as another significant milestone in the Government’s efforts to improve road safety and deliver modern transport infrastructure.
He urged motorists and other road users to familiarise themselves with the new signs, obey speed limits and exercise caution when using the upgraded roads.
Mr Qaqara also appealed to the public to protect the newly installed signs from vandalism and theft, warning that damaging or removing the signs could place the lives of motorists, pedestrians and other road users at risk.
The LMCP is jointly funded by the Asian Development Bank and the Solomon Islands Government.
[ENDS]////////
By Agnes Menanopo
The Australian Federal Police (AFP) has handed over two new NAIAD vessels to the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) Marine Division to strengthen its maritime policing and operational capabilities.
The vessels were handed over today at the RSIPF Marine Division Aola base and are expected to enhance the RSIPF’s ability to respond to maritime security threats, including transnational serious and organized crime.
Group Photo.
Speaking at the handover ceremony, AFP Commissioner, Krissy Barrett said the NAIAD vessels would improve operational flexibility and ensure the most appropriate RSIPF asset is deployed for each task.
“Australia’s insatiable appetite for these illicit drugs is appalling, especially given our trusted friends and partners have become the collateral damage.
“With that in mind, a great partner knows when to step up and when to take its share of responsibility,” Commissioner Barrett said.
She said the vessels were one way Australia and Solomon Islands could work together to combat criminal networks involved in illicit drug trafficking.
“These criminals are not untouchable. The Pacific Chiefs all have great resolve, skill and capability to target those who target us.
“This new capability will allow the RSIPF to seize illicit drugs and prove to the cartels that it is too expensive and too much of a risk to test our resolve,” Commissioner Barrett said.
One of the vessel.
Minister of Police, National Security and Correctional Services, Hon. John Tuhaika Jnr, said the provision of the vessels would make a practical and meaningful contribution to the operational capability of the RSIPF Marine Division.
“These assets will strengthen our capability in law enforcement, maritime safety, search and rescue emergency response, and efforts to prevent and respond to transnational serious and organized crime.
“The significance of the occasion extends beyond the vessels. It represents an investment in the capability, confidence and resilience of our national institutions,” Minister Tuhaika said.
He thanked the Australian Government and the AFP for their continued support to the RSIPF and Solomon Islands’ maritime security efforts.
ENDS//
The post AFP hands over two NAIAD vessels to strengthen RSIPF Maritime operations first appeared on Solomon Islands Broadcasting Corporation (SIBC) .
BY JOSES SAREN
Work on the National Youth Justice Bill has stalled as competing legislative priorities take precedence; the Ministry of Justice and Legal Affairs has told the Public Accounts Committee (PAC).
The Ministry appeared before the PAC Tuesday this week on the 2026 Supplementary Appropriation Bill 2026, where it accounted for a $175,800 Advance Warrant funded by UNICEF under its Child Protection Programme.
Permanent Secretary Pauline McNeil told the committee that the funds supported nationwide consultations on the National Youth Justice Bill, reaching 450 participants across five provinces so far.
“The consultations were conducted in five provinces, including Malaita, Western, Guadalcanal, Temotu, and Makira provinces, where Correctional Services are established,” Mrs McNeil said.
McNeil said the funds were fully spent in 2025, with $63,580 going to travel airfares, $63,000 to catering, $15,200 to transport hire, $12,000 to venue hire, $7,000 to consultation materials, $3,000 to stakeholder allowances, and the remaining $12,020 to stationery.
The Youth Justice Bill is being developed under the Ministry’s Legal Policy Unit in partnership with the Correctional Services of Solomon Islands and UNICEF.
McNeil said the reform was prompted by rising juvenile crime, with around 30 percent of reported crimes committed by people aged 16 to 20.
She said the existing law, the 1972 Juvenile Offenders Act, no longer reflects current realities or international standards.
PAC member and MP for Central Guadalcanal, Peter Shanel Agovaka, asked whether UNICEF funding for the bill would continue, or whether Government would need to step in.
“So, going forward, do you anticipate that this funding will continue? If so, that will be good, but will there be an SIG component to assist with the work of the National Youth Bill?” Agovaka asked.
McNeil said UN agencies fund work through annual work plans tied to their own programme priorities, and that support could not be guaranteed indefinitely.
“The agencies will come to a stop in terms of reduced funding, so this is where SIG needs to beef up funding to cater for the gap,” PS McNeil said.
She said the Ministry’s current budget stands at less than $80 to $90 million, and that it hopes to seek an increased allocation next year as Solomon Islands prepares to host a regional working group on child protection and justice.
PAC Chairman and MP for North Guadalcanal, Dr Paul Bosawai, commended the Ministry’s presentation as a model for other ministries appearing before the committee.
“When you report donor-funded financial support to us, you even went as far as explaining it is not off-system, but in-system. I have to encourage that when reporting donor-funded projects, it is important to have this structured presentation,” Bosawai said.
Geniagu FC thrash Ghupo Wantoks 6-0 in SWPL Round 17
BY RICHARD MENANOPO
GENIAGU FC continued their Solrais Women’s Premier League (SWPL) campaign in style yesterday, securing a convincing 6-0 victory over Ghupo Wantoks FC in their Round 17 encounter at East End Stadium.
The afternoon fixture saw Geniagu take control of the match and eventually pull away from Ghupo Wantoks to claim all three points.
Geniagu captain Betty Oriana was pleased with her side’s performance, particularly the way the players followed their game plan and worked together throughout the match.
“I am very proud of the girls today for putting in the hard work and scoring the six goals,” Oriana said after the match.
“We came into this fixture with a clear strategy to control possession and take our chances early. The teamwork and communication out there was good.”
For Ghupo Wantoks, captain Siasia Tangikapia Tepuke admitted that mistakes and a drop in fitness contributed to the heavy defeat.
“In the first half, we tried our best to hold them off, but as the match went on, our fitness levels dropped and communication broke down,” Tepuke said.
“When you make simple mistakes against a quality team like Geniagu, they will punish you. However, I am proud that the girls kept fighting until the final whistle.”
Despite the result, Tepuke said the team will use the defeat as a lesson ahead of its remaining league matches.
“This result is a wake-up call for us to improve our training attendance and build our fitness,” she said.
“We have to stay united, fix our mistakes, and come back stronger in our next match.”
The victory strengthens Geniagu’s position in the upper half of the SWPL standings as the competition enters another important stage.
Before yesterday’s match, Geniagu sat fifth on the 10-team table with 22 points from 13 matches, having recorded seven wins, one draw and five losses.
Ghupo Wantoks, meanwhile, entered the fixture near the bottom of the standings with four points from 12 matches.
The SWPL continues this weekend with another round of fixtures as teams battle for valuable points in the race up the table.
Photo credit: Richard Menanopo
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