By RODRICK DESURI 

Auki 

The People’s Republic of China (PRC) has supported the Anopala community in the Small Malaita Constituency with a sea transportation project.

The assistance is mainly to improve sea transportation for the Anopala community and surrounding areas after they have faced issues and challenges with transportation in accessing health and education services. 

According to a media release from the Ministry of Rural Development, the project assistance includes $100,000, a 40-horsepower outboard motor engine, and a 23-ft ray boat. 

Anopala community representative, Peter Ha’alau, thanks their Small Malaita Constituency office and Member of Parliament, Rick Hou, for selecting his community as the recipient of this important project.

He also voiced his gratitude to the Government of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) for its generous funding.

“It is a meaningful contribution that will bring immense benefits not only to my people of the Anopala community but also to the people of Small Malaita,” he said. 

Meanwhile, the Small Malaita Constituency Office has expressed its heartfelt gratitude to the Government of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) for its generous financial support. 

“This timely assistance will significantly improve access to safe and reliable sea transport for our people, especially the Anopala community and surrounding communities at Malou Port,” he said. 

The transportation project was funded under the Chinese Embassy’s Small & Sustainable Development Project.

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BY BEN BILUA
Gizo

INITIAL Damage Assessment (IDA) following Tropical Cyclone Maila is progressing well across Western Province, authorities have confirmed.

Teams were deployed to affected communities last week to conduct on-the-ground assessments, marking a key step in the province’s disaster response efforts.

Chairperson of the Western Province Disaster Committee, Collin Potakana, said several assessment teams have already completed their work, with reports now submitted to the Provincial Emergency Operations Centre (PEOC).

He explained that the IDA process forms part of the National Disaster Response Plan and is designed to identify damage to homes, infrastructure, and other essential services impacted by the cyclone.

“In fact, this assessment should be done soon after the cyclone, but due to weather conditions and logistical challenges it has been delayed,” Potakana said.

He urges community leaders in affected areas to cooperate fully with assessment teams by providing accurate and relevant information to support the exercise.

Potakana emphasised that the IDA is a critical foundation for the next phase of recovery.

“This assessment is very important as it will help formulate the recovery plan. Recovery is the next phase and it will be a huge task. We cannot implement recovery if we do not have a proper plan,” he said.

Potakana also acknowledged the support of the National Emergency Response Team, which is currently assisting the PEOC with coordination and logistical operations on the ground.

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BY MELVILLE TITIULU

The Magistrate Court yesterday granted a postponement to the case against a man accused of attempted murder after it found that the accused was of ‘unsound mind’ and is ‘incapable’ of making his defence.

The accused is charged with attempted murder contrary section 215(a) of the Penal Code.

The offence attracts a penalty fine of life imprisonment maximum.

Attempted murder is only triable in the High Court. However, Section 144 (1) of the Criminal Procedure code gives powers upon Magistrates court to deal with these inquiries in the course of preliminary investigations.

Section 144 (2) of the CPC requires that if the court has the opinion that the accused is of unsound mind that he is not capable of making his defence, the court shall postpone further proceedings in the case.

Principal Magistrate Ben Alasia did convene to make an inquiry based on an application made by Prosecuting counsel Mr Steward Tonowane.

The Principal Magistrate did consider the forensic report prepared by Dr Paul Orotaloa, the medical report prepared by William Cain, the Psychiatric Nurse at Rove Central Correctional Centre, the conference report prepared by prosecutions and the courts record of the accused mental state.

In delivering his ruling yesterday, Alasia said:

“I have considered all the evidence before me and found that the accused is of unsound mind thus, he is not capable to make his defence.”

“I direct that this matter be forwarded to the Governor General for his consideration and compliance.”

The copy of the court’s finding will be forwarded to the Governor General (GG) by the DPP for his consideration wherein, based on the GG’s discretion, will then direct that the accused be detained in a mental hospital.

In the meantime, remand of warrant is extended for the accused to May 19, 2026.

This case illustrates the challenges of balancing criminal liability with mental health considerations within our criminal justice system.

It was alleged that Smith Pitisopa of Panarui village, South Choiseul, Choiseul Province at Panarui, Choiseul Province on August 12, 2025, armed with a knife, struck Mr Max Vaqalo on both hands and belly. The strikes on the belly produced a big wound which resulted in the victim’s intestine coming out accompanied with heavy bleeding.

Steward Tonowane from the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions is prosecuting the matter while Oxley Limeniala represents the accused.

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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

The Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) has confirmed it is fully prepared to ensure safety and security during today’s Parliament meeting.

Police Commissioner Ian Vaeveso made the confirmation during the Prime Minister’s press conference yesterday at the Office of the Prime Minister and Cabinet (OPMC).

Commissioner Vaeveso said officers will be deployed across the city and other parts of the country as part of a comprehensive security plan to maintain law and order.

He assured the public, including businesses and schools, that activities should proceed as normal.

He said the operation follows thorough risk assessments, with around 1000 trained officers and dedicated tactical teams on standby to respond to any disturbances.

“Police are also working closely with community leaders to promote cooperation and encourage respect for the democratic process,” he said.

Mr Vaeveso further adds that a traffic management plan will be in place in Honiara to ease movement and ensure public safety.

“This includes designated control points and deployment of officers at key intersections. The public is urged to cooperate and plan their travel to avoid congestion,” he said.

He said RSIPF reiterates its commitment to maintaining peace and stability during the Parliament session today and calls on all citizens to work together to ensure a smooth and peaceful process.

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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele said that his government has fully complied with the recent Court of Appeal ruling and that the matter has now been handed over to Parliament for further action.

Speaking during his press conference yesterday, PM Manele said the purpose of yesterday’s conference was to formally update citizens on government compliance with the Court’s decision, outline the transition of the process to the National Parliament, and provide reassurance to schools, businesses, and the wider public.

“I confirm that all legal requirements and orders relating to the convening of Parliament have been fully complied with. Having discharged these responsibilities, the matter now rests with the Speaker and the National Parliament,” he said.

He said that his government’s committed to upholding the rule of law and respecting the independence of the judiciary.

PM Manele told the media that the executive has now completed its role in the process.

He said that he acknowledged that differing views were expected during such a politically sensitive period, but urged citizens not to allow disagreements to divide the nation.

“Such differences are part of any healthy democracy and must not divide us,” he said.

He also calls on social media users and the public to exercise restraint against the spread of misinformation; urging respect for parliamentary processes.

He also raised concern over the impact of political uncertainty on families, schools, and businesses.

“I apologise to citizens who may feel unsettled, noting that past experiences of political instability have caused anxiety in communities. It is never our intention for the democratic process to cause you stress or to make you fear for your safety,” he said.

He encouraged schools and businesses to continue operating normally today.

“Stability and continuity are important for children’s education and the country’s economic life. This is a normal part of a maturing democracy. I call on our schools and businesses to remain open,” he said.

The PM thanks Solomon Islanders for maintaining stability, praising the resilience of business houses, the support of churches, and the quiet persistence of rural communities.

“Our priority is to ensure you can go about your lives safely. You are the heartbeat of the happy isles,” he said.

Photo: Supplied

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PM Manele says he is ready to resign, but prefers debate to proceed

BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele says while he is ready to resign, he is prepared for today’s Motion of No Confidence.

He made the statement in response to questions from journalists during a press conference held yesterday at the Office of the Prime Minister and Cabinet (OPMC) in Honiara.

The purpose of the Parliament sitting on today, is to consider and debate a Motion of No Confidence against the Prime Minister.

Responding to a question on whether he would resign immediately if asked on the floor of Parliament or allow the debate to proceed before voting.

In his response Prime Minister Manele said that he preferred the motion to be debated.

“I would like the debate to proceed. If the numbers are not on my side, I will resign after I have presented my statement,” he said.

The Prime Minister said that motions of no confidence are a normal part of the democratic process.

“It is a check and balance on the executive,” he said.

He said that this is the third Motion of No Confidence moved against him since assuming office.

“Every Member of Parliament has the right to move a motion of no confidence. This is the third one. I am prepared for it,” he said.

Prime Minister Manele added that it is up to the mover of the motion and the Speaker of Parliament to determine how the process will proceed.

“The Speaker can make any ruling, but my preference is for the motion to be debated. I will provide my statement, and if I see that I do not have the numbers on my side, I will resign,” he said.

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