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PM Wale held talks in Vila

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BY JOSES SAREN

PRIME Minister Matthew Wale held brief talks with Vanuatu’s Minister for Internal Affairs, Minister Andrew Solomon Napuat, during a transit stop in Port Vila.

According to a statement by the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) yesterday, the two leaders discussed the significance of strengthening the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) and enhancing border security arrangements between Solomon Islands and Vanuatu.

Minister Napuat shared Vanuatu’s experiences and concerns regarding drug trafficking activities across the borders of the two countries, the statement said, and highlighted the need for closer cooperation to address the issue.

Prime Minister Wale was also briefed on the recent signing of the Nakamal Agreement between Australia and Vanuatu.

The Prime Minister, according to the statement, highlighted the importance of a more coordinated and strengthened MSG region to address shared challenges and advance common interests.

Minister Napuat also conveyed warm greetings from Vanuatu’s Prime Minister who is on domestic tour to Prime Minister Wale .

Photo credit: PM Press Secretariat

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PM Wale calls for accountability and unity at 48th independence thanksgiving service

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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

Prime Minister Matthew Cooper Wale calls on Solomon Islanders to embrace a culture of personal responsibility and accountability to secure the nation’s future.

Speaking at the 48th Independence Anniversary Thanksgiving Service held at St. Barnabas’ Cathedral yesterday, PM Wale said that national greatness is not defined by resources alone, but by the faithful contribution of every citizen.

Addressing a congregation of government officials, church leaders, and the public, Prime Minister Wale described on the biblical teachings of the Apostle Paul in Romans 12.

He said that the Solomon Islands is a single body composed of many members, each with distinct but vital functions.

“Like the body described by Paul, Solomon Islands is one nation made up of many parts. We are many islands, many provinces, many tribes, many languages, many cultures even. We possess different talents, responsibilities, and callings, yet together we form one people and one nation under God,” PM Wale said.

He said the nation’s diversity should be viewed as a “gift entrusted to us by God” rather than a weakness.

“This sentiment aligns with this year’s anniversary theme: “Our Nation, Our Responsibility and Accountability – Building a GREAT Solomon Islands,” he said.

During his reflection, Wale said that the Great Coalition government believes building a prosperous nation requires more than sound economic policy.

He said that the moral foundation of the country depends on strong leadership, accountable institutions, and a shared commitment to the common good.

“A great nation is built when every citizen faithfully fulfills the responsibility entrusted to them by God and accepts accountability for how they exercise that responsibility,” Wale said.

He added that leadership, in particular, must be exercised with integrity and diligence to maintain the public trust.

PM Wale acknowledged the historical journey of the past 48 years, citing both seasons of progress and hardship as the Solomon Islands prepares for official Independence Day celebrations tomorrow, July 7.

He concluded by challenging the current generation to take ownership of the nation’s next chapter, declaring that accountability is the only path to endure success.

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PM to review China security pact

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BY BEN BILUA
Gizo

PRIME Minister Matthew Cooper Wale has announced that his government will review the controversial Solomon Islands-China Security Cooperation Agreement signed in 2022.

The announcement was made during his recent visit to Australia, where he met with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and senior government officials.

Speaking to Australian media, Wale confirmed that his government had obtained a copy of the security agreement after changes were made to key government positions.

However, he said the agreement will not be made public because it contains a non-disclosure clause.

“We are going to be reviewing it as we are reviewing other security agreements that we have with many other countries,” Wale said.

His announcement comes as Australia intensifies efforts to strengthen security ties with Solomon Islands.

Prime Minister Albanese is expected to visit Honiara following discussions held in Canberra last month, where both leaders explored opportunities for closer cooperation.

According to media reports, Australia is seeking to negotiate a new security treaty with Solomon Islands as strategic competition in the Pacific continues to intensify.

Despite growing interest from regional and international partners, Wale has reiterated that Pacific nations must remain in control of their own future.

Addressing Pacific Islands Forum leaders in Suva last week, he said geopolitics is no secret in the Pacific and urges Forum members to remain focused on their own priorities rather than those of external powers.

Wale said the increasingly complex geopolitical environment presents new challenges that could divert the region’s shared goals and priorities.

“We welcome that interest and we value our partnerships. But we must always remind ourselves that our development agenda must remain one that is conceived, driven and owned by the Pacific,” he said.

Wale said development partners should support and complement Pacific ambitions rather than define or shape them.

The Solomon Islands-China Security Cooperation Agreement was signed in April 2022 under the government of former Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare.

The agreement allows Solomon Islands to request Chinese police and military personnel to assist in maintaining social order.

It also permits Chinese naval vessels to visit Solomon Islands for replenishment, logistical support and stopovers.

The pact attracted widespread international attention, particularly from Australia, New Zealand and the United States, over concerns it could eventually lead to the establishment of a permanent Chinese military presence in Solomon Islands, located less than 2,000 kilometres from Australia’s coastline.

Australia also criticised the agreement for its lack of transparency, noting that the full contents of the pact were not publicly released.

China has consistently rejected claims that the agreement is intended to establish a military base, describing the cooperation as a normal bilateral security arrangement.

Domestically, public opinion on the agreement has been divided.

While some Solomon Islanders have expressed concern over its secrecy and strategic implications, others view China as an important development partner following the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries in September 2019.

Since then, China has funded and supported a number of infrastructure and development projects across Solomon Islands, contributing to the country’s growing portfolio of development assistance.

Photo credit: PINA (Pacific Islands News Association)

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El Niño dry spell still ahead, warns SIMS Director 

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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

Despite the current heavy rains experienced across parts of the Solomon Islands, the Solomon Islands Meteorological Service (SIMS) cautions that the El Niño weather pattern remains firmly in effect.

According to SIMS Director, Allick Haruhiru, communities and government sectors should continue to prepare for prolonged periods of below-average rainfall in the months ahead.

Mr Haruhiru explained that while the current rainfall may appear to contradict El Niño conditions, the phenomenon is assessed over extended periods rather than short-term weather events.

“This rain will not last long. Once the low-pressure system near North Choiseul moves out, the dry conditions associated with El Niño will return,” he said.

The Director emphasised that El Niño’s impacts will not be felt the same across the country.

“Some areas may continue to receive normal rainfall, which is normal, while others will face significant rain deficiencies. For villages already struggling with water shortages, a few days of rain is insufficient to replenish depleted supplies,” added Haruhiru.

He said that sectoral impacts could be wide-ranging including agriculture which may suffer from reduced crop yields, water resources could dwindle, and health services may face challenges linked to drought and tropical cyclone activity both associated with El Niño.

Director Haruhiru urges communities to remain vigilant and proactive.

“El Niño is not over. This is the time to strengthen preparedness for rainfall deficiency and cyclone risks that will persist through the year, as these are associated with EL Nino,” he said.

He calls on government agencies, farmers, and households to adopt water conservation measures, diversify food production strategies, and reinforce disaster readiness plans.

He said that the advises serve as a reminder that while short bursts of rain may bring temporary relief, the broader climate pattern continues to pose serious risks.

He said that resilience and preparedness are key to minimise the impacts of El Niño across the Solomon Islands.

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Low-pressure system sparks warnings across SI

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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

A tropical low-pressure system north of Choiseul Province has triggered strong wind and heavy rain warnings across the Solomon Islands. 

The Solomon Islands Meteorological Service (SIMS) issued warning number fifty-nine on Saturday, covering all waters of the nation.

SIMS Director Dr. Alick Haruhiru said that while the system is moving away from the country, it is fuelling persistent south-easterly winds, creating dangerous conditions at sea.  

“These winds can strengthen up to 20–25 knots and at times reach 30 knots. This can cause rough seas, with waves rising as high as 3.5 meters,” Director Haruhiru said.

He further adds that such conditions are unsafe for small boats and advised people to reconsider travel plans until conditions improve. 

He said that heavy rain warnings have also been issued for Isabel, Choiseul, Malaita, Guadalcanal, Central, and Western provinces.

Mr Haruhiru said that the rainfall, driven by the same low-pressure system, is expected to continue in the coming days. 

“Such rainfall can trigger landslides and flash flooding, and the Meteorological Service is always issuing precautionary measures for people during these times,” Dr. Haruhiru added. 

He said that SIMS together with its partner agencies urge residents to remain alert, avoid unnecessary travel, and prepare for possible flooding.

“Communities in vulnerable areas are encouraged to monitor updates closely and take early action to protect lives and property,” he said.

Director Haruhiru said that SIMS continues to track the tropical low-pressure system and will provide further updates as conditions develop. 

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Guadalcanal Government demands action over burned Vessel

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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

The Guadalcanal Provincial Government has expressed grave concern over the MV Anjeanette, which caught fire at Point Cruz Wharf on July 4 and now anchored at Honiara Jetties Harbour.

Guadalcanal Government in a statement issued yesterday said that the burned vessel poses risks of sinking and environmental damage.

The statement said that the vessel lies within Guadalcanal’s jurisdiction under the Provincial Government Act 1997, which extends the province’s boundaries three nautical miles seaward from its islands.

The government underscored its statutory duty to safeguard the marine environment and coastal communities.

The government warn that the fire-damaged vessel presents serious threats, including oil pollution, navigational hazards, and long-term harm to marine biodiversity.

“The people of Guadalcanal depend on the sea for their livelihood, and the Provincial Government will not allow risks to be shifted into its area without accountability,” the statement said.

The provincial administration calls on national agencies including the Ministry of Infrastructure Development, the Solomon Islands Maritime Authority, the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management and Meteorology, the Ministry of Fisheries and Marines, and the Attorney General to act swiftly and in coordination to prevent environmental harm and ensure proper disposal or salvage of the vessel.

The government pledges to continue monitoring the situation and provide updates to the public as developments unfold.

Photo credit: Pacific Towing

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Bad weather brings activities to a standstill in Western Province

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BY BEN BILUA
Gizo

ONGOING bad weather across Solomon Islands has forced the suspension of programs and activities throughout Western Province as strong winds, heavy rain and rough seas continue to affect the region.

Recovery operations for communities impacted by Cyclone Maila have also been put on hold until weather conditions improve, delaying assistance to affected villages.

Provincial authorities have advised that deployment teams will remain on standby until it is safe to travel by sea.

The prolonged period of strong winds, heavy rainfall, rough seas and poor visibility has created dangerous conditions for small boats, prompting many fishermen and farmers from the islands to stay home rather than risk travelling.

Their decision to prioritise safety over income has resulted in a limited supply of fresh fish, fruits and vegetables at markets in Gizo.

Inter-island travel has also been suspended following advice from the Western Provincial Disaster Office, with passengers and boat operators urged to wait until sea conditions improve before resuming normal travel.

Despite the disruption, the continuous rainfall has brought some relief to residents in Gizo, where many households have welcomed the heavy downpours after water tanks were replenished with fresh rainwater.

Authorities continue to monitor the weather situation and urge the public, particularly small boat operators and coastal communities, to remain vigilant and follow official weather and safety advisories until conditions return to normal.

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NRH BATTLES TUBERCULOSIS

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  • Health authorities strengthen prevention and treatment as prolonged admissions stretch hospital resources.

BY NED GAGAHE

The Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) has acknowledged that tuberculosis (TB) continues to place significant pressure on the National Referral Hospital (NRH), confirming that some patients have had to wait in the hospital’s Outpatient Department (OPD) and Emergency Department because the TB isolation ward has reached full capacity.

The ministry’s statement follows an Island Sun front-page report last week revealing concerns over the increasing number of TB cases in Honiara and reports that TB patients were being accommodated in the Emergency Department due to a shortage of isolation beds.

Responding to questions from Island Sun, MHMS confirmed in a media statement over the weekend that tuberculosis remains a major public health concern and continues to place a heavy burden on the country’s main referral hospital.

Hospital statistics show that at least three newly diagnosed TB patients are admitted through the Emergency Department each month.

At one stage, the OPD had 13 highly infectious TB patients waiting for admission to the TB ward because no beds were available.

According to the ministry, although TB is primarily a community health issue, it has a major impact on hospital operations because patients require prolonged admission, specialised isolation, daily treatment and intensive clinical care.

In 2025, the National Referral Hospital recorded 16,408 admissions from a total of 112,706 patients who sought medical treatment. Of those admissions, 158 patients were admitted to the TB ward.

The ministry said TB patients occupy hospital beds much longer than most other patients.

Their average hospital stay is 43.2 days, compared with the overall hospital average of 6.43 days.

“This extended length of stay contributes significantly to bed shortages, with increasing numbers of TB patients waiting in the OPD for admission to the TB ward,” the ministry said.

To address the growing demand, MHMS said the new TB hospital wing currently under construction will significantly increase the country’s capacity to manage tuberculosis patients.

The new facility will provide around 30 beds for patients requiring extended care, including nine isolation beds dedicated to newly diagnosed, acute and multidrug-resistant TB cases.

The ministry said the facility will also strengthen specialised TB care, research and the management of drug-resistant tuberculosis.

However, health authorities stressed that the new building alone will not stop the spread of TB.

“Reducing TB transmission will require a multisectoral approach involving individuals, families, communities and health partners, with greater emphasis on early screening and treatment,” the ministry said.

Meanwhile, the MHMS TB Division says it is intensifying nationwide efforts to prevent, detect and treat tuberculosis.

These include expanding TB services through primary health care, conducting contact tracing and hotspot screening, increasing preventive treatment, strengthening community-based care and improving laboratory diagnosis through the rollout of GeneXpert testing across all provinces.

The ministry is also recruiting additional TB personnel, strengthening medicine supply systems, improving disease surveillance through the DHIS2 reporting system, and enhancing coordination with provincial health authorities and development partners.

Public health campaigns are also continuing through radio awareness programmes, community education and the development of information materials that aim to encourage people to seek early testing and treatment.

Health officials said updated National TB Treatment Guidelines have already been launched and will soon be rolled out nationwide through training for clinicians, nurses and TB coordinators.

They also confirmed that active case-finding continues in TB hotspot communities and correctional facilities across Guadalcanal, Honiara and Malaita as part of efforts to reduce transmission.

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WHITE RIVER REIGNS

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Credit Corporation confirms 2027 sponsorship as SIRUF hails another successful season of school rugby development

BY RICHARD MENANOPO

WHITE River Community High School has been crowned the 2026 Credit Corp High School Boys 15s champion after completing an outstanding campaign, as tournament sponsor Credit Corporation Solomon Islands Limited confirmed it will continue backing the competition in 2027.

The announcement was shared by Rakabi Solomons, the official rugby platform administered by the Solomon Islands Rugby Union Federation (SIRUF), following Wednesday’s official prize presentation and closing ceremony at the Town Ground Rugby Stadium grandstand.

White River claimed the prestigious Credit Corp High School 15s Perpetual Shield and the $10,000 championship prize after emerging as the competition’s top team following almost two months of school rugby.

KG VI National Secondary School (Royals) finished runners-up to receive $8,000, while Honiara High School claimed third place ahead of Koloale Community High School.

A number of individual and team awards were also presented, recognising outstanding performances throughout the tournament.

St John’s Community High School’s Lester Fulisao was named the tournament’s Most Valuable Player, while Caleb Chow of KG VI Royals received the Best Forward award.

White River’s Genia Tengemoana was recognised as Best Backs Player, Burns Creek’s Dava collected the Rookie of the Tournament award, and St John’s captain Estee Tengemoana was named Best Team Captain.

St John’s team manager Radol Puia received the Best Team Manager award, while St John’s was also recognised as the Most Improved Team. St Nicholas School took home the Fairest Team award.

Representing Credit Corporation SI Ltd, Finance Manager Alafina Katovai congratulated all participating schools, officials and supporters, while reaffirming the company’s commitment to continue sponsoring the championship next year.

She thanked everyone involved in making this year’s competition another memorable success.

Responding on behalf of SIRUF, vice president for development Moses Tepai paid tribute to Credit Corporation for its continued investment in grassroots rugby.

“We are overwhelmingly thankful to Credit Corporation SI Ltd for believing in our young people and providing them with the opportunity to play the game they love through this wonderful initiative,” Tepai said.

“We value this partnership immensely and trust it will continue to grow as we nurture the next generation of rugby players while instilling the rugby core values of respect, discipline, integrity, passion and solidarity.”

Tepai also noted the increased number of schools that participated this year and hopes that even more schools will join the competition in 2027.

He acknowledged the support of tournament partners Enargy Water Ltd, Lol Mart Ltd and Ezmie Co. Ltd, as well as tournament director Sarah Buka, the organising committee, participating schools, coaches, officials, volunteers, parents and supporters for helping deliver another successful championship.

Tepai also encouraged members of the national Under-17 squad, whose planned participation at the Dakar Youth Olympic Games was cancelled, to remain prepared as SIRUF explores the possibility of sending the team to Fiji, subject to confirmation.

The 2026 Credit Corp High School Boys 15s competition began in early May with six schools competing over nearly two months of rugby at Town Ground Rugby Stadium.

The tournament forms part of SIRUF’s long-term youth development pathway, providing young players with opportunities to develop their skills while promoting discipline, teamwork and sportsmanship.

White River Community High School capped a dominant campaign by capturing the championship, while Credit Corporation SI Ltd’s commitment to continue its sponsorship into 2027 ensures the competition will remain a key platform to develop the next generation of Solomon Islands rugby talent.

Photo: Supplied

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Southern Cross University publication highlights lasting impact of four-week sports science placement at SINIS

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BY RICHARD MENANOPO

A recent publication by Southern Cross University has highlighted how a four-week student placement at the Solomon Islands National Institute of Sport (SINIS) has evolved into a lasting partnership that continues to support sports development and future collaboration between Solomon Islands and Australia.

In an article published on July 1, the Australian university reflected on the experiences of Exercise Science and Clinical Exercise Physiology students who completed a four-week placement at SINIS earlier this year under Australia’s New Colombo Plan, supported by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT).

During the placement, the students worked alongside SINIS coaches and national athletes, assisting with strength and conditioning programmes, delivering training sessions and presentations, and supporting athlete development across a range of sports.

Bachelor of Exercise Science and Psychological Science student Jacob Davidson said in the university publication that it was rewarding to see the difference the team had made during their time at the institute.

“It was really rewarding. You could actually see how we helped improve their experience,” Davidson said.

Fellow student Jeremy Salter said the placement challenged the group to adapt to changing circumstances while gaining valuable practical experience.

“Getting thrown in the deep end… I think that accelerated my capacity. Coming back now, things just come a lot more naturally,” he said.

The university said the placement also strengthened relationships between the visiting students and SINIS coaches, creating cultural and professional connections that extended well beyond the four-week programme.

Speaking during the farewell ceremony, SINIS Performance Manager Zanetana Djokovic acknowledged the contribution made by the visiting students despite challenges encountered during the placement.

“I understand there were challenges during your stay, but we adapted and overcame them together. That reflects what SINIS is about… adapting and overcoming the many challenges we face here in Solomon Islands,” Djokovic said.

He added that the students’ contribution has been valuable to the institute and welcomed future collaboration.

“Your presence has been very helpful to us. Our doors are always open should you wish to return,” he said.

According to the publication, discussions have since begun on a potential research partnership focusing on improving cancer care in Solomon Islands through exercise science, while plans are already underway for another student placement at SINIS next year with opportunities to expand collaboration across other disciplines.

The Southern Cross University delegation completed its four-week placement at SINIS in February this year, working closely with local coaches and athletes under the New Colombo Plan programme.

The visit concluded with a farewell ceremony celebrating the partnership and the shared commitment to strengthening sports science and athlete development in Solomon Islands.

Photo credit: NSC/SINIS

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