By RODRICK DESURI 

Auki 

Police in Auki, Malaita Province have urged four recipient communities of the ASK-SI Regreening program in Malaita to take full ownership of the by-law regulations signed to protect their forests.

The four communities who signed the by-law last month are; Kwa’a and Maeana in West Kwaio, Ura in Central Kwara’ae, and Gwaunaoa and Faifatala in West Kwara’ae. 

On behalf of the Malaita Provincial Police Commander, Sergeant Robert Alegao from Crime Prevention said the police will be backing up the initiative rollout.

Alegao said that anyone going against the by-law will face the law, be fined, or get arrested.

“As the by-law is now signed today, it is now law and order. So, I warn and encourage these communities to take full ownership of the new regulations.

“However, if anyone goes against this by-law, he or she will face the law, be fined, or arrested,” he said. 

Meanwhile, he welcomed the initiative and acknowledged the roles played by the community chiefs, church leaders, women, youth, and landowning groups in making the by-law possible. 

He also thanked World Vision Solomon Islands for setting up the project to protect the forests. 

“On behalf of the Malaita PPC, I want to thank the communities, the hardworking RCC Committees, and World Vision Solomon Islands for establishing this by-law with the communities.

“This by-law will definitely protect and look after our green forests for the future, which is very important to us,” he said.

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BY NED GAGAHE

The Government of Japan has reaffirmed its commitment to continue supporting Unexploded Ordnance (UXO) clearance and the recovery of war remains in Solomon Islands.

Speaking during a reception marking the 66th birthday of Emperor Naruhito on Monday February 23, 2026, Japanese Ambassador His Excellency Higuchi Keiichi highlighted ongoing cooperation between Japan and Solomon Islands in addressing the legacy of the Second World War.

The Ambassador said Japan remains committed to working closely with Solomon Islands authorities and international partners to clear unexploded bombs and locate the remains of Japanese soldiers who lost their lives on Solomon Islands soil during the war.

Solomon Islands was the scene of some of the fiercest battles in the Pacific during World War II, particularly in Guadalcanal and surrounding provinces. Decades later, unexploded ordnance still poses risks to communities across the country.

Japan is cooperating with international partners including The HALO Trust to ensure clearance efforts are carried out effectively and without duplication.

Ambassador Higuchi acknowledged the importance of partnership among donor countries and organisations in dealing with UXO threats, saying coordination helps maximise impact and improve safety for rural communities.

He also stressed the humanitarian aspect of the mission to recover the remains of Japanese soldiers, noting that it is an important responsibility for the Government and people of Japan.

The cooperation not only strengthens safety in communities affected by unexploded ordnance but also reflects ongoing reconciliation and friendship between Japan and Solomon Islands.

The Ambassador reaffirmed Japan’s commitment to remain a steadfast partner in supporting Solomon Islands in addressing wartime legacies while contributing to the country’s long-term development.

UXO clearance continues to be a priority for Solomon Islands, where wartime explosives are still occasionally discovered during construction, farming and other development activities.

Photo credit: Ned Gagahe

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BY BEN BILUA
Gizo

YOUTHS of Rarumana community in Western Province have acknowledged donor partners for their support in building income-generating facilities that aim to strengthen livelihoods for community youth groups.

Speaking during the handover ceremony yesterday, youth representative Hezilyn Boso said the project plays a vital role in empowering young people, particularly young women and girls through the Girls Tekem Akson lo Climate Change (GTACC) initiative led by Plan International Solomon Islands.

She said four zones have successfully completed the programme, reflecting strong commitment, cooperation and resilience among youths and project partners.

“Through this initiative, young people in Rarumana are better supported to build leadership and life skills, engage meaningfully in climate action, access opportunities for development and contribute positively to their communities and the nation,” Ms Boso said.

She acknowledged partners for their collaboration, technical support and groundwork that enabled the project to succeed, including the Ministry of Women, Youth, Children and Family Affairs, the Solomon Islands National Youth Congress and the Western Provincial Government.

Boso also thanked donor partners for funding the project since its inception in 2023 and encouraged youths to take ownership of the facilities.

“Together, we are building resilient, empowered and climate-aware young leaders for tomorrow,” she said.

In his keynote address, Permanent Secretary Aaron Bara Pitaqae described the projects as strategic investments in young people of Rarumana and Western Province.

He said the GTACC initiative reflects the country’s national youth policy and signals a shift in how youths are viewed.

“The National Government’s mandate is clear — the country must move beyond treating youths as vulnerable groups and instead recognise them as drivers of economic growth,” Pitaqae said.

He said the new facilities will provide formal bases of operation, allowing youth-led businesses to expand and thrive.

Plan International People and Culture Officer, Glenda Peninah Iso said the achievement demonstrates the shared commitment of donor partners, government, the provincial administration and communities.

She said the handover symbolises partnership, shared responsibility and confidence in youth leadership.

Iso said the facilities will serve as safe and active spaces for learning, coordination, innovation and community engagement.

She is confident that youths of Rarumana are ready to take leading roles with knowledge and skills gained through GTACC workshops and trainings over the past years.

She acknowledged the Western Provincial Government for its strong leadership and support, describing it as instrumental to the project’s success, and calls on youth groups to strengthen their associations to ensure the facilities remain active, organised and sustainable for the benefit of their communities.

Photo credit: Ben Bilua

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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

Professor Transform Aqorau has been reappointed as the Vice-Chancellor of Solomon Islands National University (SINU) after signing a new five-year contract.

SINU has reappointed Mr Aqorau for a second term following what it describes as a rigorous and transparent recruitment process, a statement from SINU said yesterday.

The reappointment was endorsed by the University Council at its meeting on February 10 in accordance with Section 28 of the SINU Act (No. 9 of 2012).

The selection process was conducted by a Council-sanctioned Selection Committee and included an open call for expressions of interest, comprehensive due diligence and reference checks, shortlisting of eligible candidates, and structured interviews and assessments. Candidates were also required to present the draft 2026 Strategic Plan and outline their vision for the university.

The Selection Committee subsequently prepared a report formally recommending Professor Aqorau for appointment, which was approved by the Council, the statement said.

Aqorau was congratulated on his reappointment by SINU Pro-Chancellor Morgan Wairiu, emphasising the importance of his second term in advancing the university’s mission of academic excellence, innovation, and national development.

Aqorau in response expressed gratitude to the Council, Senate, Senior Management Committee, and university staff for their continued confidence in his leadership.

He confirmed his commitment to strengthening governance, academic programmes, and strategic development at the institution.

Aqorau is a qualified lawyer, holds a PhD in Law from the University of Wollongong and an Honorary Doctorate (LLD) from the Australian National University.

He served as Deputy Director of the Forum Fisheries Agency and as the founding Chief Executive Officer of the Parties to the Nauru Agreement.

During his first term as Vice-Chancellor, he led major governance reforms, strengthened Council performance, enhanced donor collaborations, and established international partnerships to support academic programmes and infrastructure development.

The reappointment reflects its commitment to transparent recruitment, good governance, and leadership excellence, as the university continues to provide quality higher education in the Solomon Islands, the statement said.

Photo credit: SINU

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By RODRICK DESURI 

Auki 

Lack of staff houses is still an issue for nurses at Kilu’ufi Hospital in Malaita Province.

Kilu’ufi Hospital Director of Nursing, Richard Maegerea, confirmed to Island Sun that this is a long-standing issue that sometimes contributes to nurses moving out.

Maegerea said although nurses are moving out, newly registered nurses are also coming in to replace them.

He said two registered nurses joined the hospital last month and that they are expecting more new nurses to arrive.

“Staff house shortages and renovations are needed; these are the contributing issues that lead to nurses moving out.

“However, when nurses move out, new nurses are also coming in, which ensures that every ward has its nurses,” he said.

He also thanked Malaita’s provincial government for stepping in to rent houses in Auki town for the nurses.

“I want to thank my government of Malaita for stepping in and renting staff houses for our nurses in town,” he said. 

Meanwhile, Maegerea refutes rumours posted on social media that Kilu’ufi Hospital is understaffed. 

He said the hospital is fully operational and has nurses in each ward responsible for their patient ratios. 

“I want to make it clear that our hospital is fully operational without any hesitation about being understaffed.

“Currently, our hospital wards have their nurses, who are responsible for patients according to their ratios,” he said.

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BY BEN BILUA
Gizo

A political rift has emerged within the government of Premier Billy Veo, raising questions over whether the current tensions could lead to a motion when the provincial assembly meets in March.

Reports reaching Island Sun indicate a tug-of-war between rival camps as both sides work to secure numbers ahead of the sitting.

A source within the provincial administration said executive members are actively engaging with non-executive members in a bid to replace two executive members who had walked away from the ruling side.

“Currently some of the executive members are negotiating with some of the non-members to jump to the other side of the house,” the source said.

“It is still unclear which group has the number at the moment, so the coming days will be interesting.”

Attempts by this paper to obtain comments from the Premier on Wednesday were unsuccessful, although assurances were given that he would respond next week.

“He does not want to comment right now. Something is afoot and he does not want to pre-empt anything for now. He advised that after Saturday this week, things will be clearer,” another insider said.

Several executive members contacted have said government remains intact and will move beyond what they described as “pathetic politics” aimed at disrupting ongoing progress under Veo’s leadership.

Earlier reports said two executive members had left the government and aligned themselves with the non-executive bloc. Their identities and the reasons behind the shift in allegiance remain unclear.

This paper will continue to follow developments in Gizo and provide updates as more information becomes available.

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