The unstable weather conditions experienced in the country have disrupted police operations in Malaita Province.
Malaita Provincial Police Commander, Superintendent Michael Ramosaea spoke to the paper about one incident that occurred last week in Roone, South Malaita.
He said they had received an urgent call where a fight broke out between a mentally ill woman and her two brothers, but due to high seas they were not able to intervene.
Superintendent Ramosaea said the incidents occurring in locations without road access are the most complicated ones.
When asked if they have speedboats and outboard motors to use during bad weather, he said they have two outboard motors, but they are not suitable for use during rough seas.
“We have two boats, but we can’t use them because they are not suitable for rough seas and high swells at the South Malaita seashores,” he said.
He said he will still send his officers to attend to the incident on a later date.
“So, we will wait until we have stable weather before our police attend to the incident,” he said.
Minister for National Planning and Development Coordination Peter Kenilorea Jr. represented Solomon Islands at the 2026 Pacific Peace and Security Dialogue in Suva, Fiji.
The Dialogue was held in Suva from 15–17 June 2026, bringing together political leaders, government officials, academics, business representatives and civil society leaders from across the Pacific.
The dialogue aims to discuss regional security priorities and Pacific-led solutions.
In a social media post from Kenilorea, he said it was an honour to represent Solomon Islands at the dialogue.
The Minister joined ministers from Fiji, Palau and Niue to discuss peace and security challenges and opportunities facing Pacific nations.
He also highlighted the link between development and security in Solomon Islands.
His participation aligns with the Solomon Islands government’s focus on linking development planning with regional security and stability.
Kenilorea highlighted the close link between development and security.
He said that the two issues must be addressed together to ensure stability and prosperity across the region.
He said Solomon Islands views development and security as interconnected priorities.
He adds that sustainable development plays a critical role in maintaining peace and addressing emerging security concerns.
Discussions focused on a range of issues, including geopolitical developments, climate security, economic resilience, transnational crime and strengthening regional cooperation.
Kenilorea described it as an honour to represent Solomon Islands at the forum and contribute to discussions on practical outcomes that could support peace and security efforts across the Pacific.
The Pacific Peace and Security Dialogue is regarded as one of the region’s leading platforms for discussions on strategic and security issues affecting Pacific Island countries.
Students across the country are beginning their mid-year school break as examinations draw to a close this week.
At Selwyn College in Northwest Guadalcanal, students will begin travelling home following the completion of their examinations and school thanksgiving activities.
In a notice to parents and guardians, ACoM Education Secretary Desmond Waita said form one to form five students will leave for their four-week holiday break on Thursday, June 18, after the school’s Thanksgiving Church Service.
Form Six students will depart on Friday, June 19, after completing their Test (CAT).
Mr Waita said the first trip to Honiara is scheduled to leave the school at 8am.
He urges parents and guardians to make the necessary arrangements to receive their children upon arrival.
“Parents and guardians are kindly requested to make the necessary arrangements to receive their children upon arrival,” the notice stated.
Mr Waita thanked parents and guardians for their cooperation throughout the term and wishes all students a safe and enjoyable holiday.
The four-week break provides students with an opportunity to rest and spend time with their families before returning for the second semester.
Auki Police is still waiting for permission from their headquarters in Honiara to proceed to culling crocodiles along the Wairaha River.
Malaita Provincial Police Commander, Superintendent Michael Ramosaea, confirmed this in an interview with this paper yesterday.
He said they submitted their application to hunt crocodile to their Police Headquarters several months ago, but are yet to receive any response.
Superintendent Ramosaea said they will wait until they receive permission before acting on the requests from communities along Wairaha.
He added that an agreement has been reached between the elders of the community and the police.
“At the moment, we have yet to receive any permission to conduct the hunt from our headquarters in Honiara. We don’t know why it is taking so long.
“It is true that the police must act on the community’s request as soon as possible for their safety, but we can’t do it without approval from our headquarters,” he said.
He said they will act promptly when they receive approval from the Police Headquarters.
Meanwhile, villagers have been living in great fear as they have seen crocodiles along the river multiple times.
“This has caused great fear and is really affecting our normal life here at home. We now can’t cross the river by canoe or swim,” a concerned villager said.
The crocodile hunt is vital for the Wairaha communities after two women over 20 years old lost their lives in separate crocodile attacks along the river.
The first incident occurred on April 3, when a 22-year-old girl was attacked, followed by her niece on April 21, 2026. They were from Paunanu’u village.
Communities in North Malaita Province have been experiencing water rationing due to months without rain.
This is occurring as the country is being placed under an El Nino Watch by the Solomon Islands Meteorological Service (SIMS), which alerts public across country to be wary of increased risks of drought, water shortage and tropical cyclones.
North Malaita communities are feeling the impacts of the drought and fear it will worsen if their small streams also dry up in the coming months if the dry condition continues.
Stephen Tolinao from North Malaita confirmed to Island Sun on Monday this week that the water issue is now becoming a real problem for them.
He said most affected people are those who depend on and use water supply and nearby small streams.
“Yes, it is real and is now affecting us, especially the communities like Loina, Asia, and Adaua Primary School, which depend on and access water from the water supply,” he said.
He said that people have to travel one to two kilometers inland and up the hills to get water.
“So, currently, we have to walk for almost one or two kilometers before we get water from the water source inland,” he said.
The Malu’u Area Health Centre in North Malaita is also facing a water problem.
Concerns also raised is that if the dry spell lingers it will cause health risks to the health staff and patients of the Area Health Centre.
Meanwhile, the SIMS El Nino Advisory said that the developing El Niño conditions can significantly impact communities across the country if early preparedness measures are not taken.
It adds that potential effects include long dry spells, reduced water supplies, threats to food security and increased pressure on public health and community wellbeing.
Construction of the new Santa Cruz Airfield Terminal Building in Temotu Province is nearing completion, with finishing works now underway under the Second Solomon Islands Roads and Aviation Project (SIRAP2).
The project has made significant progress and is expected to be completed soon, marking a major milestone in efforts to improve aviation services in one of the country’s most remote provinces, SIRAP2 said in a statement yesterday.
Once completed, the new terminal will provide improved facilities for passengers and airport users, while enhancing operational efficiency and supporting safer and more reliable air transport services.
The project is being delivered by the Ministry of Communication and Aviation (MCA) through SIRAP2 with funding support from the World Bank.
Construction is being undertaken by China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC).
The new terminal is expected to improve the travel experience for residents, businesses and visitors using the Santa Cruz Airfield, which serves as an important transport link for Temotu Province.
The upgraded facility will strengthen connectivity between Temotu and the rest of the country, making it easier for people to access essential services, conduct business and travel for education, health and other purposes.
The development is also expected to support economic opportunities in the province by improving access and creating a more modern gateway for passengers and goods moving in and out of the region.
SIRAP2 is a national infrastructure programme working to improve road and aviation facilities across Solomon Islands.
The programme focuses on enhancing transport safety, reliability and accessibility while supporting long-term social and economic development.
The Santa Cruz Airfield Terminal Building’s progress towards completion represents a significant investment in Temotu Province’s transport infrastructure and is expected to play an important role in supporting future growth and development in the province.
The illegal sale of betelnut and cigarettes continues in Auki town, despite efforts of Malaita provincial authorities who attempted to stop it several times.
The street sale of both betelnut and cigarettes is prohibited in Auki, as the provincial authorities actively enforce town ordinances that ban these items from being sold on the streets to maintain public order and town cleanliness.
Speaking to the paper, a 42-year-old woman who requested not to be named said they will never stop the sale of both betelnut and cigarettes because it is their only source of income for family survival.
She said if the authorities want to put an end to the sale of betelnut and cigarettes, job opportunities must be provided to engage people and help them earn an income.
She added that they will not stop when they have nothing to generate income for their families’ survival and to afford daily essentials like school fees.
“We can’t stop the sale of betelnut and cigarettes because these are the only fast-generating income items in the province, and even in the country.
“If authorities want us to stop it, they must provide a workplace for us to work at and earn income for our families,” she said.
A 21-year-old youth also expressed the same sentiment during an exclusive interview with the paper yesterday.
He said the sale of his betelnuts and cigarettes every day is how he supports his parents in paying for his younger brother’s and sister’s school fees and food.
He said since he didn’t succeed in his education, he can only support his family through earnings from his sales.
“I feel regret and sadness when my parents fail to pay for my schooling. So, after leaving education, I just want to help my parents support my younger brother and sister.
“From my earnings is what my family can afford for food for a few days and to pay for my younger brother and sister’s school fees,” he said.
When asked whether he would stop selling prohibited betel nuts and cigarettes, he said he does not think so, as this is what he depends on to generate income for his family.
A recent report from provincial security officer Justine Masia said they will not stop their patrols in Auki town to chase people involved in the illegal sale of betelnuts and cigarette.
Police have warned residents of Auki town, Malaita Province against the habit of playing loud music in town and residential areas at night.
Speaking to the paper on Monday this week, Malaita Provincial Police Commander, Superintendent Michael Ramosaea said an operation to track down commuters with loud music at night will begin soon.
He warns that anyone found playing loud music during late hours in different residential areas will face charges and fines.
“Currently, playing loud music at night is becoming a significant concern.
“This was after we received complaints from some residents about very loud music late at night. So, we will soon begin our operation to track down those involved and address their careless attitudes,” he said.
He urges anyone who wants to enjoy music to do so in their residential area and to play their music at a respectable volume.
He also discourages such behaviors and attitudes of a few young people in Molou area who went to Fasitoro and played their loud music over the weekend.
The PPC described this behavior as disrespectful and indicative of a sick society and that it should stop.
He also calls on Auki residents to report anyone engaging in such unacceptable behaviours to the police.
Met Service issues advisory on increasing risk of drought, water shortage and tropical cyclones
BY JOHN HOUANIHAU
The Solomon Islands Meteorological Service (SIMS) has issued an El Niño Watch for Solomon Islands warning of heightened risks of drought, water shortages and tropical cyclone occurrence than average in Solomon Islands.
The latest El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) Advisory was released yesterday following climate indicators showing conditions moving towards an El Niño event.
According to SIMS, warmer-than-average sea surface temperatures in the central Pacific Ocean and changes in the Southern Oscillation Index (SOI) are progressing towards meeting El Niño criteria.
ENSO is the primary climate driver influencing year-to-year weather variations in Solomon Islands and consists of three phases: El Niño, which brings warmer-than-normal conditions; Neutral, which reflects near-normal conditions; and La Niña, which brings cooler-than-normal conditions.
SIMS said that the developing El Niño conditions could have significant impacts on communities across the country if early preparedness measures are not taken.
It adds that potential effects include long dry spells, reduced water supplies, threats to food security and increased pressure on public health and community wellbeing.
SIMS pointed to the severe 1997–1998 El Niño event as an example of the risks involved, noting that drought conditions at the time affected many parts of the country, particularly Western Province and Rennell and Bellona Province.
The ENSO advisory urges households to conserve water, prepare for possible dry conditions and stay informed through official weather updates and cyclone warnings.
Farmers are encouraged to closely monitor crops and consider measures to reduce the impact of dry weather on food production.
SIMS said preparedness efforts should be inclusive and has provided guidance to support people with disabilities during extreme weather events.
The Meteorological Service encourages all Solomon Islanders to remain vigilant and take early action to reduce the potential impacts of a developing El Niño.
“Preparedness today can reduce hardship tomorrow,” the advisory said.
According to the advisory, SIMS is assessing the situation and will soon produce its Tropical cyclone (TC) outlook for 2026/2027 cyclone season by October.
For Solomon Islands, three El Ninos stand out in history:
The 1997–1998 “Super” El Niño: This remains the absolute historical benchmark for climate disasters in the country. It caused near-total failures of staple food crops due to a critical lack of rain. The Western Province, Rennell and Bellona Province, and outlying areas like Basakana Island in Malaita Province were hit the hardest, suffering from extreme water shortages and famine conditions.
The 2015–2016 Event: Classified globally as another “very strong” El Niño, this period severely reduced seasonal rainfall across the country. The prolonged dry spells devastated subsistence agriculture, systematically dried up rural streams, and triggered acute water scarcity in highly populated zones.
The 2009–2010 Cycle: Parts of Guadalcanal and neighbouring islands went without single drops of rain for months at a time. Natural freshwater streams completely dried up, forcing joint, urgent interventions by the National Disaster Management Office (NDMO) and local water authorities to supply rural communities.
Governor of the Central Bank of Solomon Islands (CBSI), Dr Luke Forau says the bank’s Open Day celebrations is designed to educate and inspire Solomon Islanders, particularly young people, about the role of the country’s central bank and the importance of financial literacy.
CBSI FMECD staffs at the openning yesterday. Photo by Tony IrogaCBSI Economics and research department staffs. Photo by Tony Iroga
Mr Forau made the remarks yesterday during the official opening of CBSI’s 50th Anniversary Open Day held near the CBSI headquarters and Mud Alley Road Avenue in Honiara.
CBSI Solomon Islands Financial Intellegence Unit photo a group photo yesterday. Photo by Tony Iroga
Addressing members of the public, students and invited guests, Forau said the Open Day forms part of the bank’s golden jubilee celebrations under the theme, “50 Years of Resilience and Progressive Development”.
“Today is a very special day for the Central Bank. Not only because we are opening our doors to the public, but because we are marking a significant milestone under the theme ‘50 Years of Resilience and Progressive Development’,” he said.
Forau said the event aims to provide Solomon Islanders with a greater understanding of the Central Bank’s role, operations and contributions to the nation’s development.
“Today’s Open Day is designed to give all Solomon Islanders, especially our young people and students, a better understanding of who we are as the Central Bank, what we do, and how our work impacts your daily life,” he said.
CBSI staff explained some of their roles to students yesterday. Photo by Tony Iroga
He explained that the programme features departmental exhibitions, school tours, financial literacy sessions and interactive activities to make the Central Bank more accessible and relatable to the public.
A female tudent of St. John School attempts to answer a question yesterday from CBSI staff. Photo by Tony Iroga
The Governor said students visiting the bank’s headquarters wo have the opportunity to gain first-hand knowledge of the institution’s operations and learn about the country’s financial system.
He added that financial education sessions and interactive quizzes will provide practical knowledge about money management and financial technology, while evening cultural and entertainment activities will bring communities together in celebration.
Members of the public visiting the CBSI stalls, Photo by Tony IrogaOfficers of BSP having a look at CBSI system development stall department. Photo by Tony Iroga
Forau also highlighted the bank’s ongoing national financial literacy awareness campaign, which has already reached schools around Honiara and will be expanded to other provinces in the coming months.
“Over the past week, we have conducted a national financial literacy awareness campaign, promoting savings, smart financial decisions and digital finance awareness,” he said.
The Governor said the anniversary programme will continue with the Governor’s Annual Public Lecture and panel discussions on economic resilience and the future of central banking, followed by an official ceremony to commemorate the bank’s 50-year milestone and launch key initiatives.
He stressed that the work of the Central Bank goes beyond formulating policies and providing banking services to the government.
“Our work is also about enabling businesses to grow, helping families manage their finances, promoting financial inclusion so that no one is left behind, and building a stable and resilient economy for future generations,” he said.
Forau calls on Solomon Islanders to take an active interest in understanding the country’s financial system and make responsible financial decisions.
“Encourage our people, especially our youth, to become economically productive citizens of our beloved country and work together to build a more financially resilient nation.
“The future of Solomon Islands depends not only on one institution like the Central Bank, but on each and every one of us,” he said.
