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Man pleads not guilty to intimidation and molestation charges

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BY MELVILLE TITIULU

A man has pleaded not guilty to three counts of intimidation and molestation on three females yesterday.

The defendant, Junior Paul Maenu (Pure), was charged with three counts of intimidation and molestation, contrary to section 231(1) of the Penal Code.

It was alleged that Mr Maenu at Maromaro market area east Honiara on November 12, 2025 intimidated three females.

Court heard that the defendant intimidated them by possessing a pair of scissors and told them that they will not be cooking there anymore and that he owned the place.

He then used a stone, and threw it at the Kaibar there before using an iron rod to chase the complainants causing fear and insecurity in them and they were lucky to escape him.

The defendant was later arrested and taken to Naha Police station for questioning and was later charged.

The defendant was arraigned yesterday where the Magistrate court heard whether or not he pleaded guilty to the three charges.

Chief Principal Magistrate, Ricky Lomea asked defence whether the matter was ready to proceed to Pre Trial Conference (PTC) or adjourned for a fixed PTC date.

Prosecution proposed an adjournment.

Defence informed court that he will not be available from March 16-27 as he will be travelling on a court circuit to Isabel Province and asked court’s leave for the matter to be adjourned for a date after March 27.

After consideration of adjournment proposals, Chief Principal Magistrate Lomea adjourned the matter for Friday, March 13 at 9am for PTC preparation.

In the meantime, parties are to settle PTC documents and issues which should be filed before Friday, March 13.

Bail for Maenu was extended to Friday, March 13.

Police Constable Mr Taromunia appeared for the Police Prosecutions and Trevor Mark Tukochi, Senior Legal Officer from the Public Solicitors Office represented the defendant.

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HIRED HITMEN

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Police arrest Chinese miner over masterminded assault and robbery of 2 Asian Australian miners

BY LORETTA B MANELE

Police have arrested a Chinese miner following what is reported to an arranged attack on two other miners.

Two Australian citizens, of Asian origin, were reportedly assaulted and robbed on Sunday afternoon, March 8, by three locals outside the Meat Lovers Kukum shop.

The locals were hired by four Chinese men who were senior figures in a mining company, sources told Island Sun on Sunday.

The incident is connected to the mining operation on Rennell island, Renbel province, sources said.

Police Media told Island Sun last night “One of the Chinese businessmen who masterminded the hiring of the locals to harm the two persons has been arrested by police. Investigations have been initiated and ongoing on the matter.”

Four Chinese individuals had masterminded the attack and hired the three locals, police said.

At this stage, it is not clear whether the plan was to kill the two persons or just threaten them, police told Island Sun.

Island Sun has sighted a video which was recorded by one of the two persons during the attack showing the three locals assaulting and robbing them.

The faces of the three local men are clearly visible in the video as they entered the vehicle, assaulted and snatched the vehicle key, and snatched a mobile phone from the two Chinese Australians.

The incident occurred in broad daylight with vehicles passing by. Bystanders reportedly came and persuaded the attackers to return the vehicle keys.

The mobile phone remains missing.

The four men who allegedly masterminded the attack are senior figures of one of the mining companies operating on Rennell, sources told Island Sun.

The two Asians, Australian citizens are also senior members of another mining company, and were embroiled in business disputes with the four men, sources said.

It is understood that an injunction case between the parties is before the courts, to be heard this week.

Meanwhile, this is not the first violent incident to happen connected to extractive operations in Rennell.

The most media-covered incident took place on the morning of Saturday, November 8, 2014, when a prominent landowner of West Rennell was attacked with a 60-centimetre bushknife and got his arm nearly chopped clean off. The attackers were hired by a logging company following dispute with the victim.

In September 2016 then Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare ordered an urgent investigation into “deepening violence” in West Rennell logging operations. The violence resulted in at least two people sustaining knife wounds. An attacker was taken into police custody in Honiara.

In May 2017 two cases of alleged arson occurred near Kanava Village in West Rennell. Police investigators from the National Crime Intelligence department were deployed from Honiara to assist.

In January 2020 an Indonesian national employed by the Bintang Mining Company was fatally stabbed on Rennell Island following an argument with two local men. The victim died at the Tigoa clinic, and two suspects in their 30s were arrested.

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FAN BOOST

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Telekom backs Solomon Kings community fun day as fans rally behind team ahead of OFC Pro League Round 4

BY RICHARD MENANOPO

Hundreds of football fans, children and families filled Lawson Tama Stadium yesterday as Solomon Kings FC hosted a lively community fun day to strengthen the bond between the club and its supporters ahead of Round 4 of the OFC Pro League.

The event, supported by telecommunications company Our Telekom, created an opportunity for supporters to meet the players and coaching staff following the team’s return to home ground before the next round of matches kicks off on March 14.

Speaking during the event, Our Telekom representative Sean Hiele said the company stepped in to support the initiative to help bring fans closer to the club.

“The reason why Our Telekom came to support this event was to provide an opportunity for fans to interact with the club – the Solomon Kings Football Club”, Hiele said.

He acknowledged Solomon Ports as the club’s major sponsor, saying Telekom’s role was to support the community engagement side of the program.

“Solomon Ports is the major sponsor and we really acknowledge that, but when the club and sponsors reached out to us, we said ‘why not’. Telekom has been supporting football for many years and this is another way we can help”, he said.

Hiele said initiatives like the fun day play an important role in building the club’s fan base as the team prepares for upcoming matches.

“Our boys are now back on home ground and they really need the presence of their fans here in Solomon Islands to support and back them up.

“We hope today is the starting phase where the fan base continues to grow as we enter circuit four of the competition,” he said.

He also highlighted the importance of club merchandise in strengthening supporter identity and culture.

“Merchandising is very important because fans can wear the club’s identity. When the team plays and the fans wear the merchandise, they connect through the Solomon Kings brand”, he said.

Hiele also reminds supporters that match tickets for the upcoming OFC Pro League games will be available exclusively through Telekom’s M-Selen platform.

“To access the matches from March 14, supporters will have to purchase tickets exclusively through M-Selen”, he added.

Meanwhile, fellow Telekom representative Alex Waimora said the company saw the fun day as a way of supporting the community side of the club’s development.

“We have to give thanks to Solomon Ports for being the major sponsor because without them we would not have a professional team.

“For us at Telekom, we felt that we should come in and support the community base, especially when the Kings Army supporters group and the club planned this event,” he said.

He said the turnout of families and young fans showed the positive impact the initiative is already having.

“It’s really encouraging to see children, parents and families coming out to meet the team. It gives the community the opportunity to connect with the Solomon Kings players”, Waimora said.

Alex Waimora also explained that the newly established Kings Army supporters group aims to organize fans into a unified support base for the club.

“Kings Army is basically an arm meant to organize supporters so they can support the team in a constructive way and in a manner that aligns with the club”,

“The purpose is to bring all supporters together with one aim – to raise strong support behind Solomon Kings FC,” he said.

He said the group currently has around 400 to 500 members, with more supporters encouraged to join as the team prepares for upcoming international fixtures.

“We have a designated area at the stadium where fans can come together, chant and give their best support to the team”, he said.

Membership registration for the Kings Army is currently open, with members receiving merchandise and other potential benefits, including opportunities to support the team during overseas matches.

Saturday’s community fun day featured interactive activities, photo opportunities with players, merchandise sales and supporter registration booths.

With Round 4 of the OFC Pro League fast approaching, organizers hope the initiative will help build a stronger home crowd presence when Solomon Kings FC returns to competitive action on March 14.

Photo credit: Tony Iroga

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Suspended Captain Mango backs young keepers for OFC Pro League Round 4

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BY TONY IROGA

Solomon Kings FC Captain and goalkeeper Philip Mango, #1 will miss the opening match of Round 4 of the OFC Pro League in Honiara due to suspension.

Round 4 of the regional competition is scheduled to kick off at Honiara National Stadium on Saturday, March 14 at 7pm.

Mango will sit out the match following a red card he received during Solomon Kings’ 5–0 loss to South Melbourne FC at Melbourne Stadium on March 4.

The Kings captain was sent off for slapping an opponent during the match in Melbourne.

Speaking to Island Sun yesterday at Lawson Tama Stadium, Mango said the team has confidence in young goalkeepers Erick Wanega #23 and Junior Petua to step up during his absence.

“Our team is made up of every player and we work together as a team to prepare for the upcoming Round 4 matches here at our home ground,” Mango said.

He said Wanega and Petua are talented young goalkeepers and he fully trusts them to perform well.

“I have confidence, belief and hope in Wanega and Petua during my absence,” he added.

Mango advised the two goalkeepers to make the most of the opportunity given to them and enjoy the spirit of the game.

“They just need to stay consistent for the full 90 minutes and keep their focus so it will help their performance during the match,” he said.

He also calls on fans to rally behind the team during the home matches in Honiara.

Mango said he is yet to confirm how many matches he will miss, as the final decision will be made by officials of the OFC Pro League.

Meanwhile, Wanega said he is confident to guard the goalmouth in Mango’s absence.

He admitted that playing at professional league level is not easy, but the experience gained in the last match against South Melbourne has helped him grow.

“We will continue the same work that Mango has done for the team in the previous rounds,” Wanega said.

He also urges supporters to continue backing the team despite the absence of their captain and first-choice goalkeeper.

Solomon Kings are scheduled to open Round 4 against Auckland FC on Saturday, March 14 at 7:00pm at Honiara National Stadium.

The team returned home on Friday, March 6 to begin preparations for the Honiara circuit of the OFC Pro League.

Photo credit: Tony Iroga

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SIFF President hails Solomon Kings FC for inspiring young football fans

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BY TONY IROGA

Solomon Kings FC are inspiring young footballers to dream big, work hard, and believe in their future, says Solomon Islands Football Federation (SIFF) President Donald.

He made the statement during the Kings Fan Club community event, supported by Our Telekom, at Lawson Tama Stadium yesterday.

“As we gather here this afternoon, we are also building momentum towards the one-week series of matches here in Honiara, which will commence next Saturday, March 14,” Marahare said.

He said the event aims to bring football fans, supporters, and the community closer together while celebrating exciting matches and strong competition.

“To our loyal supporters, thank you for standing behind our team. Your energy, encouragement, and passion make a big difference,” he said.

He said the event was a wonderful opportunity to see players, families, supporters, partners, and the public come together to celebrate football and community spirit.

“For many years, our players have shown incredible talent and passion, and today we are proud to say those dreams have become a reality,” he said.

President Marahare highlighted that Solomon Kings FC is creating pathways for young footballers, inspiring the next generation, and showing that players from Solomon Islands can stand proudly on the professional stage.

“Lawson Tama has always been the heart of football in our nation. Many great memories, unforgettable matches, proud victories, and moments that united our country have been created here,” he said.

He added that the tradition continues as fans interact with professional players from the club.

“None of this would be possible without the support of our partners, supporters, and the football community who believe in the vision of growing the game in this country,” he said.

Marahare encourages young boys and girls to continue supporting Solomon Kings FC as the team prepares for Round 4 of the OFC Pro League next week.

“Let us enjoy our time together this afternoon and celebrate the spirit of football and community engagement. Let us also put our hands together to thank our team for their generous support,” he said.

Photo credit- Tony Iroga

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UNICEF Pacific representative presents credentials to PM Manele

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BY NED GAGAHE

The new UNICEF Pacific Representative, Hamish Young, has presented his Letter of Credentials to Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele, reaffirming UNICEF’s commitment to supporting children and communities in Solomon Islands.

The presentation took place on Friday March 6, 2026, where both leaders held discussions on key development priorities and the growing impacts of climate change on Pacific Island countries.

During the meeting, Mr Young highlighted the increasing vulnerability of the Pacific region to climate-related disasters, saying that small island states face significant threats despite contributing very little to global carbon emissions. He said highlighted the importance of stronger global action and international cooperation to address climate change.

Prime Minister Manele acknowledged the challenges facing Solomon Islands, saying that the country ranks as the second most at-risk nation in the world according to the 2025 World Risk Index.

He said the country continues to face multiple natural hazards including tropical cyclones, floods, earthquakes, tsunamis and rising sea levels.

The Prime Minister also commended UNICEF for its rapid humanitarian response following the severe flooding that affected parts of the country last month.

Discussions also focused on the country’s development challenges, particularly in child health, nutrition and access to services across Solomon Islands’ widely dispersed islands.

Prime Minister Manele said that with a rapidly growing and youthful population, investing in human capital and strengthening social services remains a national priority.

Mr Young reaffirmed UNICEF’s commitment to continue supporting programmes that address child health, nutrition, education and community resilience across the country.

He explained that Solomon Islands remains one of UNICEF’s top priorities in the Pacific due to its population growth and development needs, adding that UNICEF is working to expand its programmes despite a challenging global funding environment.

Mr Young also highlighted the importance of partnerships with international donors and regional partners, including support from the European Union, Japan and the Republic of Korea. He also expressed interest in strengthening engagement with Australia, including partnerships with businesses and philanthropists.

During the meeting, Mr Young congratulated the Prime Minister on Solomon Islands’ upcoming 50th anniversary of independence in 2028, describing it as a significant national milestone.

Prime Minister Manele said preparations are already underway for the anniversary, noting that the event will not only celebrate culture and unity but also showcase the country’s development progress, national initiatives and community achievements.

Both leaders reaffirmed the strong partnership between the Government of Solomon Islands and UNICEF, with the Prime Minister praising the work of the UNICEF team in the country and encouraging continued collaboration to support children and communities.

The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to strengthen cooperation in addressing climate challenges, building resilience and advancing development outcomes for children and communities across Solomon Islands.

Photo credit: Press Secretariat, OPMC

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SINU students recognized for green Campus and Orientation support

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BY JUNELYN KELLY

The Solomon Islands National University (SINU) recently lauded over 80 student volunteers for their significant contribution to the university’s Green Campus initiative and their vital role in assisting with orientation and registration activities.

A press statement from SINU on Friday last week said the students were celebrated at a certificate presentation ceremony at the Kukum Campus Common Hall.

SINU said beyond environmental efforts, these dedicated students played a crucial role in helping both new and returning students navigate important registration information.

They also helped the students to become familiar with the university, environmentally and helped with fostering a smooth transition for many.

Samson Bisafo, Manager of SINU Business Investment and Commercial Service (BICS) during the ceremony expressed his gratitude for the students’ unwavering commitment and valuable contribution.

He said participating in voluntary work is a positive step that will encourage them to learn new skills and gain valuable experience that will help them prepare for their future careers and endeavours.

Photo credit- SINU

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PM confirms 6 candidates applied for DG of SIICAC

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BY NED GAGAHE

Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele says the government is committed to strengthening our integrity institutions.

Manele announced yesterday during a media conference with local journalists that six candidates applied for the position of Director General of the Solomon Islands Independent Commission Against Corruption (SIICAC) when applications closed late last month.

Manele said that an independent panel has been appointed to oversee the shortlisting and interviews, and will later submit its recommendations to the Judicial and Legal Services Commission.

“We remain committed to strengthening our integrity institutions. Our constitutional and legislative reform agenda is moving forward through ongoing work with the Solomon Islands Electoral Commission (SIEC) on the Electoral Act, the Political Parties Commission on the Political Parties Integrity (PPI) Act, and the Office of the Ombudsman on the Ombudsman’s Act.

“These reforms are essential to ensuring our legal frameworks are modern, transparent, and fit for purpose. Regarding SIICAC, I am aware of the urgent need to finalize the leadership. The recruitment of the Director General is being done with oversight of the Judicial and Legal Service Commission (JLSC) with administrative support from the Office of Prime Minister and Cabinet.

“Following the re-advertisement, six applications were received by the 23 February closing date. An independent panel has been appointed and will be responsible for shortlisting, interviewing and making its recommendation to JLSC for its decision.

“In the meantime, arrangements for an acting Director General have been initiated. The Chairman of SIICAC has also been briefed by my senior officials on the recruitment process and related SIICAC matters. As these reforms progress, a number of legislative measures will need to be considered through the parliamentary process.” Prime Minister Manele said.

On Parliament, the Prime Minister said he will call Parliament when there is enough government business before the House.

“Therefore, the Bills and Legislation Committee must be given adequate time to complete its inquiries and reports before I will call Parliament to meet,” he said.

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Important step towards improving student dignity: ADB

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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has described the hand-over new ablution facilities to Naha school in Honiara, as an important step towards improving student health, dignity and safety.

Speaking during the handover ceremony, last month, ADB Country Director Anthony Gill said the ADB was pleased to support the Government of Solomon Islands through the Ministry of Education and Human Resources Development (MEHRD) to deliver the new facilities.

Mr Gill acknowledged several partners who contributed to the project, including the Honiara City Council (HCC), the Naha school board, the Solomon Islands Water Authority and Plan International.

He said the project is a collective effort involving many people who worked behind the scenes to ensure the facilities were delivered to benefit students.

“This is the first school I have visited since arriving in Solomon Islands on February 4, and I will remember this school for my entire life,” Mr Gill said.

He said the new facilities will help improve students’ daily school experience by promoting dignity, health, safety and respect.

Mr Gill said that a lack of proper sanitation facilities in schools across the Pacific often leads to teenage girls dropping out of school.

He said providing safe and dignified toilets is important in ensuring girls remain in school and continue their education.

“So not only do these facilities serve students now, but they also help keep young women who are part of our future in school learning and preparing for their future,” he said.

Mr Gill urges students to take care of the new facilities so they can continue to serve future generations.

“Today we hand over these facilities to the school, and that makes them your facilities. Please treat them with respect so the next generation of students can also enjoy the safety and dignity they provide,” he said.

He concluded by wishing the students and staff a productive and successful school year.

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Sagupari thanks government for supporting tourism in CIP

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BY SAMIE WAIKORI

The Premier of Central Islands Province (CIP), Kenneth Sagupari, has expressed gratitude to the national government, particularly the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, for its ongoing support towards tourism development in the province.

One recent example of this support is the official opening of Double Islands Resort on Friday. The government has also assisted similar initiatives across the province.

Sagupari highlighted other tourism projects that have received government backing, including Raiders Hotel, the Number 1 House, and the revitalization of Anuha Island Resort.

He added that the government has also provided assistance through tourism grants and the Provincial Capacity Development Fund (PCDF), which supports tourism-related projects.

“The Central Islands Province is rich in natural and cultural heritage, colonial history, and World War II sites.

“Once these resources are properly developed, we have the potential to become the next tourism hub in the Solomon Islands,” Sagupari said.

The Premier recalled a proposal presented to GNUT during CIP’s second-appointed day last year, emphasizing the province’s strategic location and openness to a Special Economic Zone.

“We seek the government’s support and the necessary resources to make Central Islands Province the next major hub for tourism in the country. With this kind of support, this vision can become a reality in the near future,” he said.

Sagupari reiterated his government’s commitment to GNUT, pledging to uphold policy translation, implementation, and jurisdiction as an agent of the national government.

He emphasised the need for continued support to fully utilize the province’s tourism and cultural potential, which is still in its early stages.

“Our vision for tourism in Central Islands Province is clear: to ensure that all communities benefit from the industry.

“We are focusing on community-led initiatives, empowering local entrepreneurs, and preserving our environment for future generations,” Sagupari said.

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