BY BEN BILUA

Gizo

The Chairlady of Ward 8 in Vella, Western Province says the establishment of Crime Prevention Committees (CPC) in communities is key to building safer and stronger societies.

Mrs Mary Doko made the remarks during the launching of bylaws for the Olepetu/Kuava Community, congratulating them for becoming the second community in Western Province to establish a CPC.

She said many communities throughout Western Province are facing increasing challenges due to the breakdown of traditional community structures and systems.

Doko said the formation of CPCs will help restore law and order by promoting shared responsibility among leaders, women, youths and children.

“CPCs will ensure law and order are maintained in our communities – a system that can transform community structures through shared responsibilities,” she said.

Doko commended the people of Olepetu/Kuava for taking what she described as a bold and positive step towards securing a better future.

“I congratulate you, the leaders, women, youths and children of Olepetu/Kuava for the launching of your bylaws.

“You have taken a positive path to create a better community for your children and their future,” she said.

Doko conveyed congratulations on behalf of the Provincial Member for Ward 8, Mr Kadiba Alu, acknowledging the community’s commitment to progress.

“On behalf of the Provincial Member of Ward 8, Kadiba Alu, I salute you for this fine achievement,” she said.

Doko encouraged other communities across Vella Island and Western Province to follow the example set by Olepetu/Kuava.

She said collective efforts at community level will contribute to building a better Vella Island, a better Western Province and ultimately a better Solomon Islands.

Photo credit: Ben Bilua

For feedback, contact: [email protected]

Editor: [email protected]

BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

Naha Community High School (NCHS) in Honiara formally took ownership of a new Ablution block facility after it was handed over to the school on Friday February 27, 2026.

The project worth more than SBD$ 300, 000 is funded by the Asian Development Bank (ADB), and implemented by agencies such as, the Solomon water and Plan international and Live & Learn Solomon Islands.

The project commenced on December 22, 2025 to February 24, 2026 and constructed by Future Generate Construction and Drafting.

Speaking during the handover ceremony, Plan International country Director Duta Bero said that NCHS is one of the largest schools in Honiara enrolling more than 1,600 students and 60 teachers across Early Childhood Education (ECE), Primary and Secondary level.

“According to baseline studies conducted before the project commenced, the student toilet ratio is one is to 209 for female and one is to 185 students for males,” he said.

She said that this are some of the challenges the National Government through its national partners are trying to mitigate through the project such as the WASH in school program.

She acknowledged the Asian Development Bank (ADB) for funding the project, Solomon Water, Ministry of Education and Human Resources Development (MEHRD), the Honiara City Council (HCC) Education authority, Naha school leadership and board, Live and Learn environmental education, contractors and workers, parents and students for the support.

She said that project aims to address inclusiveness and accessibility for those with special needs, environmental health and hygiene, menstrual health hygiene for female students.

“Plan International want to improve our well-being and school environment throughout the country. Plan International is commitment for such initiatives and supports government in these initiatives,” Ms. Bero said.

She said that the new facility represents an improvement in both scale and quality and designed to meet current and future demand.

“The facility contains 22 toilets cubicles. Ten for girls, ten for boys, one for the female staffs and one for the male staffs. There are two inclusive cubicles shower are as well as toilet both for boys and girls. The two showers contain four urinals, 14 hand basins, where six are for girls and six for boys and two for the staffs. The facility is connected directly to Solomon Water mains and connects direct to Solomon Water sewage linea,” she said.

She said with the upgraded facility, the school now has better, improved, safe and dignified ablution block.

Photo credit: John Houanihau

For feedback, contact: [email protected]

Editor: [email protected]

BY NED GAGAHE

Nineteen young Solomon Islanders have graduated from a renewable energy training programme that aims to build local skills in solar installation and support the country’s transition to clean energy.

The graduates, including seven women and twelve men from communities across north and northeast Guadalcanal, completed the four-week SolTech: Building Green Skills for Tomorrow training programme focused on basic photovoltaic stand-alone solar systems.

The programme is funded by the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) and implemented by UNICEF in partnership with the Solomon Islands National University (SINU) through its Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) division, with technical guidance from the Ministry of Mines, Energy and Rural Electrification (MMERE).

Speaking at the graduation ceremony on Thursday last week, UNICEF Chief of Solomon Islands Field Office, Benjamin Grubb said the initiative demonstrates how investing in young people can support national development.

“In a nation where, young people make up a large share of the population, your achievement carries even greater meaning. You represent what is possible when youth are given opportunity, quality training and support. You are not just beneficiaries of development — you are leaders in it,” he said.

Participants received hands-on training in electrical circuits, solar panel installation, wiring systems and safety standards, preparing them for employment opportunities in the growing renewable energy sector.

Kelly Tungi from Numbu village said the training changed his understanding of electrical work and safety.

“Before the training, we used any cable that could conduct electricity. Now I understand that different cables have specific ratings and proper wiring standards are important,” he said.

Tungi hopes to continue further electrical studies and eventually establish a licensed electrical business to serve rural communities.

Fellow graduate Salica Kakamo from Taona village said the programme equipped her with practical skills she plans to use to assist families, schools and clinics with solar installation and maintenance.

“I learned that safety and efficiency depend on using the correct specifications. I want to use these skills to help my community and support my family,” she said.

As part of their practical training, participants designed and installed a small solar photovoltaic system for the Numbu Community Rest House, providing electricity to a facility that previously had none.

Mr Grubb also highlighted the importance of encouraging more young women to enter technical and STEM fields, saying their participation helps redefine leadership in the energy sector.

With solar energy expanding across rural areas, organisers say programmes like SolTech are helping prepare young people with skills needed to support sustainable energy solutions and strengthen community resilience across Solomon Islands.

Photo: Supplied

For feedback, contact: [email protected]

Editor: [email protected]

BY SAMIE WAIKORI

Member of Parliament for North Malaita Constituency and Minister for Rural Development (MRD), Daniel Waneoroa recently provided support to two rural fishing associations in his constituency.

The support included two sets of ray boats and 40-horsepower engines, valued at approximately $200,000. The support follows similar assistance delivered by NMC last year, which saw the distribution of 13 boats and engines to fishermen and women throughout the constituency.

A report by Mr William Abuinao on the support reaffirms the MP’s commitment to strengthening rural livelihood programs through continued support for small-scale fishing projects across North Malaita.

The report highlighted that the assistance is part of the broader economic empowerment program within the constituency, that aims to increase income-generating opportunities for local fishers.

It also noted that the initiative seeks to empower local fishers to actively engage in sustainable fishing practices, and improve their household incomes while ensuring a steady supply of protein for families and communities.

The program also aims to stimulate related economic activities, such as fish marketing, transportation, and small-scale processing.

In a speech during the handover of the two-outboard motor (OBM) sets, MP Waneoroa urged the recipients to make full and responsible use of the equipment provided.

He emphasized that the support is a valuable opportunity to enhance their livelihoods and create lasting impacts.

The MP reminded recipients that while many people in the constituency are involved in fishing, not all have access to such essential equipment.

He encouraged the recipients to use the boats and engines responsibly and work together toward the project’s goals which are; improving incomes, strengthening food security, and promoting sustainable community development throughout the constituency.

In addition to the fishing support, MP Waneoroa has also provided crucial assistance to schools, rural health centers, and other institutions within the constituency in the past weeks.

Photo: Supplied

For feedback, contact: [email protected]

Editor: [email protected]

BY SAMIE WAIKORI

Member of Parliament for North Malaita constituency and Minister for Rural Development (MRD), Daniel Waneoroa is happy about the progress of the construction of Musukui rural clinic.

Recently, he had a tour of his constituency where he delivered support to local communities and institutions.

During this tour, he also visited the Musukui clinic project site which is in Ward 7 of the constituency and was able to see for himself how the project is progressing.

A report from Mr William Abuinao on the MP’s visit highlighted Waneoroa’s satisfaction with the strides made despite facing several setbacks, particularly logistical challenges.

“I am very happy with what I have seen today. Despite the logistical difficulties in transporting materials and coordinating supplies, the progress we’ve achieved reflects the strong commitment of our people,” Waneoroa said.

He also took the opportunity to acknowledge the efforts of community leaders and residents who volunteered their time and labor to support this vital health initiative, without any financial compensation.

“You are not paid, yet you have dedicated yourselves to ensuring this project moves forward. Your dedication is a true example of leadership and compassion for your community,” he said.

Waneoroa urges the community to continue to work together to complete the project, emphasizing that it will play a key role in improving healthcare access for the densely populated areas of North Malaita, including Musukui, Kwaithafu, Walo, Kwainakiu, and Ofu.

The report also noted that the completion of the clinic is expected to ease the travel burden for patients seeking medical care and strengthen primary healthcare services in Ward 7 and its surrounding areas. The clinic is projected to be completed by the second quarter of 2026.

Meanwhile, Waneoroa reaffirms his commitment to support initiatives that enhance essential services and improve the well-being and productivity of North Malaita’s residents.

The report also mentioned that there is also a similar clinic project in Ward 9, that has been delayed due to issues among resource owners.

Photo: Supplied

For feedback, contact: [email protected]

Editor: [email protected]

BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

Opposition Leader Matthew Wale has raised serious concern over what he describes as a lack of reliable information within government agencies about the source and entry points of methamphetamine (Meth) drugs into the country.

Mr Wale raised the concern during the inquiry into the Dangerous Drugs Amendment Bill 2025 where representatives from the Solomon Islands Maritime Authority (SIMA) and Goodwood and Pengiun wharf operators appeared before the Bills and Legislation Committee.

 “And so, we’re all pitching in the dark. Nobody knows where this is coming from and where it’s coming through. And it’s a big problem,” Mr Wale told the representatives.

Mr Wale revealed that even law enforcement agencies appear uncertain about the origin and movement of drugs into the country.

He said that recent evidence presented by a senior police officers during the inquiry had raised further concerns about internal challenges within the police force.

“We expected that they would know, but they haven’t a clue.  While the Ministry of Health deals with the social consequences of drug abuse, it is not responsible for tracking trafficking networks or to enforce the law,” he said.

He said he had hoped maritime authorities and wharf operators would provide clearer insights into how drugs may be entering through ports, but their responses were largely unreliable.

“We don’t know whether the proposals contained in this Bill are fit for purpose, are adequate,” Wale said.

He also referenced submissions from the National Youth congress who appeared before the Bills and Legislation Committee (BLC).

“According to their testimony, methamphetamine pills are being sold locally for as much as $300 per pill. However, even basic information such as the weight of a pill was unclear. They didn’t know. This is a very serious problem,” Mr Wale said.

He voiced the need for evidence-based policymaking to ensure that the proposed amendments are adjusted for maximum effectiveness.

“If we did know, then we could make recommendations and perhaps even strengthen the proposals,” he added.

The Dangerous Drugs Amendment Bill 2025 seeks to significantly increase penalties for drug trafficking and related offences.

For feedback, contact: [email protected]

Editor: [email protected]

BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

Matthew Wale, Leader of Opposition has raised concerns over gaps in the country’s laws enforcement authorities.

He made the statement to the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RISPF) including the Drug enforcement Unit, China Police Liaison Team when they appeared before the Bills and Legislation (BLC) hearing into Dangerous Drugs (Amendment) Bill 2025.

During questioning of the RSIPF, Wale referred to a case last year in which a suspect was arrested but could not be charged due to a legislative gap in the law.

“Last year a person was arrested but couldn’t be charged. What were the circumstances of the case?” Wale asked.

In response, the RSIPF confirmed that the suspect could not be prosecuted after advice from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), due to a gap in the Dangerous Drugs Act at the time.

“The issue was we have a legislation gap. After we received the DPP’s advice, the person could not be charged because of the gap in the Dangerous Drugs Act,” the RSIPF said.

The RSIPF said that the arrest occurred before November 5, when amendments to the Act came into force.

However, Wale pressed further, questioning whether the current rules are flexible enough to address evolving synthetic drugs.

“What happens if it’s slightly altered? So, it’s not strictly meth, and they call it something new?” Wale asked.

The RSIPF acknowledged that if a new drug substance is not specifically covered under the rules, it would create another gap and require new regulations to be introduced.

“At the moment there is only meth now. We have cocaine and others already covered inside the law,” the RSIPF said.

Wale warned that international drug organisations often adjust precursor chemicals in laboratories to create slightly modified substances that fall outside existing legal definitions.

“These gaps have labs in Colombia and elsewhere adjusting precursor compositions and calling it something else. If it happens again, you will have to release that person again,” he said.

He also questioned whether the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) had been sufficiently consulted during the drafting of the amendments.

The RSIPF in response said that consultations were conducted jointly with the Ministries of Health, Customs and Police.

Wale expressed disappointment, saying police, as the country’s primary law enforcement agency, should have played a stronger role in ensuring the legislation anticipates emerging drug trends.

“We’re dealing with a very serious situation. Police is the absolute number one law enforcement agency when it comes to drugs and illicit materials,” Wale said.

“The good thing is you can go and add more rules, but make them flexible enough that they rope in any future changes to the chemical elements of these drugs. Except we have this problem on our hands now and we need to respond now,” Wale said.

For feedback, contact: [email protected]

Editor: [email protected]