BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

The National Youth Congress (NYC) has expressed strong support for the proposed Dangerous Drugs Amendment Bill 2025, backing an increase in the maximum penalty for large-scale drug trafficking from 100,000 penalty units to 15 million penalty units, including the possibility of life imprisonment.

NYC Chairman Harry James Olikwailafa said the amendment is necessary to address the growing threat of drug trafficking and organised crime in Solomon Islands.

He said that drugs are becoming increasingly accessible, with reports indicating small portions being sold between $300 and $500, particularly within Honiara.

“Usage among night-shift workers, transport operators and young people is also a growing concern,” he said.

Mr Olikwailafa said that if domestic production emerges, it could lead to higher addiction rates, increased crime, strained families and pressure on already limited public health and law enforcement systems.

He said Solomon Islands faces structural challenges, including limited detention facilities, restricted police investigative capacity and under-resourced hospital and rehabilitation services.

He said the proposed penalties are consistent with international standards.

“Countries such as Fiji, Hong Kong, Australia, Canada and New Zealand impose life imprisonment and multi-million-dollar fines for serious drug trafficking offences,” he said.

However, he also calls for harmonisation between the amendment and the Youth Justice Bill 2019, which emphasises rehabilitation and restorative justice for young offenders.

Olikwailafa said there is need to clearly distinguish between major traffickers and dependent users to avoid undermining rehabilitative principles.

He further reminded BLC that stronger penalties must not replace investments in prevention, treatment and awareness programmes.

The NYC submitted its recommendations to the Bills and Legislation Committee, reaffirming its support for tougher laws to combat what it describes as a serious and emerging transnational crime threat to youths, society and the country.

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By RODRICK DESURI 

Auki 

The fast-craft, Auki Express, which provides the most reliable service to sea travelers between Honiara and Auki has canceled its services. 

The ship is undergoing maintenance and is expected back on March 9.

This sudden notice by owners Franjit Shipping Ltd has caused frustration among traveling passengers in Auki who rely on the vessel. 

Franjit Shipping on their Facebook page, said the vessel is currently undergoing urgent maintenance and will resume normal services on March 9. 

The statement said arrangements have been made for the traveling passengers to have their tickets refunded at their offices in Honiara and Auki. 

“Arrangements have been established and already done with those who have tickets, they have all been refunded.

“This announcement has also been made through Franjit Shipping’s Honiara and Auki offices, as well as on its Facebook pages throughout this week,” the statement said.

Franjit Shipping apologises to their customers for whatever inconvenience the cancellation may cause.

Passengers are encouraged to call 23200 for enquiries.

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The defending champions have landed — and they mean business

BY RICHARD MENANOPO

The New Zealand women’s national football team arrived in Honiara on Tuesday afternoon brimming with confidence and determination ahead of the upcoming OFC Women’s Nations Cup qualifiers.

Speaking upon arrival, senior squad member Claudia said the team was thrilled to be in the Solomon Islands despite having to quickly adjust to the tropical conditions.

“We’re really excited to be here”, Claudia said. “It’s nice and warm — it’s going to take time getting used to — but the girls are really excited for the tournament ahead”.

Coming in as defending champions, New Zealand are well aware they will be the team to beat.

“We’re really motivated, really excited, we’re looking forward to our first game against Samoa”, she said.

Claudia acknowledged that carrying the champions’ tag brings added pressure but insisted it also fuels the squad’s confidence.

“We definitely have a target on our backs”.  She admitted. “We’ve been looking at other teams and doing video analysis. It’s a quick turnaround — we’ve got one training before the game — so there’s a bit to cover before the first match, but we’re really looking forward to getting started”.

This campaign sees a refreshed New Zealand side, with several new and young players included alongside experienced returnees.

“It’s a very new team, we’ve got quite a few new faces and a young squad, which is exciting. We’ve also got some older girls coming back in too, so we’re really excited”, Claudia explained.

She added that fans may witness a few debut appearances during the tournament.

The team’s broader objective extends beyond defending their regional crown.

“We want to go and win and qualify for the World Cup”, she said. “We’ll start with the first game and take it one at a time”.

One of the immediate challenges for the visitors will be adapting to Honiara’s heat and humidity.

“Getting used to the heat, for starters — it’s very hot here”, Claudia noted. “We just want to focus on what we can do as a team”.

The coaching staff’s message has been simple but clear: consistency and composure.

“We’re going to take it game by game”, she said. “We obviously want to qualify for the World Cup. We’re working on our possession and being consistent throughout all the games”.

Claudia also had a message for football supporters in Honiara as the tournament kicks off.

“Come down to any game — it’s going to be a great atmosphere”, she urged. “The Oceania teams are developing and there’s a small World Cup spot up for grabs. Whether you want to get behind us or your own team, we’d love to see you there”.

With only one training session before their opening fixture, New Zealand will waste no time settling in. As the defending champions set their sights on another title and World Cup qualification, all eyes will be on how the tournament heavyweights handle the pressure in the Solomon Islands heat.

If early confidence is anything to go by, the champions are ready for the challenge.

Photo credit: Tony Iroga

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BY TONY IROGA

The Samoa senior women’s team have arrived in Honiara for the upcoming round two of the FIFA women’s world cup 2027 Oceania qualifiers.

The team landed in Honiara International Airport yesterday at 2 pm with its group A team New Zealand.

The group A matches are set to kick start on Friday 27 March 2026 in which Samoa women’s team will be meeting rival, New Zealand, at 3 pm at the national stadium in East Honiara.

The top two teams from group A will advance to round three semi-final and final which will be hosted in New Zealand from April 7th to 18th 2026.

In an interview with Island Sun yesterday, the head coach of Samoa women’s team, Mr Paul Ifill said their preparation is good enough for them to play their first game against rival New Zealand on Friday.

He said his team is looking forward to qualify second behind New Zealand.

“We really going to put our effort to game two against American Samoa and game three against Solomon Islands to find way to semi-final in Aukland on April this year 2026,” he said.

The coach said they really hope to win their game against New Zealand this Friday.

“If we can get a close game, the first game against New Zealand then we will focus more better to round three,” he said.

He added that the top two teams from group A and group B will advance to the semi-final in April 2026.

The coach said as one of the top seven ranked teams in Oceania they received a “bye”, which is the preferential status of a player or team that automatically advances to the next round of a tournament without playing an opponent in an early round, directly into round two (2).

He also said they did not play in round one of the OFC qualifiers for the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027.

The winner of the final in April will earn a direct spot at the FIFA women’s world cup in 2027 in Brazil.

To their fans back home and in Honiara, he said they will be giving everything they can.

Photo credit: Tony Iroga

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By RODRICK DESURI 

Auki 

Eric George, Provincial Permanent Secretary of Malaita Province, thanks the government of Japan for their partnership with the national and provincial governments to construct the new Kilu’ufi Hospital.

He made the acknowledgement during Japanese Ambassador to Solomon Islands, His Excellency Mr. Keiichi Higuchi’s visit to Malaita’s Premier Elijah Asilaua’s office last week.

With 92 percent completed, he said the hospital will not only benefit the people of Malaita in terms of providing medical treatment to sick patients, but it will also benefit the people of other provinces. 

George said this newly constructed hospital which is almost completed will become one of the health centers providing services to the region in the Solomon Islands and to anyone who requires those services.

He also acknowledged the Japanese government for building the Auki Central Market for the people of Malaita Province. 

George said it has now become the market hub for the people to bring agricultural produce and earn income to support their families and economic livelihood.

In the meantime, he also took the time to brief the Japanese Embassy on Malaita Province’s future plans. 

He said the province is eyeing building a terminal to accommodate travelers to and from Malaita and constructing a retention wall starting from Auki Market to the Harbour Light shop in Auki.

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BY JUNELYN KELLY

Nominations for the second annual Women’s Leadership Award under the Australia Awards scholarship program are now open.

The Australian High Commission (AHC) in a statement yesterday said the award is to recognise a female Australia Awards alumna for her outstanding contribution to development in the Solomon Islands.

AHC said this year, the successful awardee will receive a cash grant of AUD 5,000, intended to support her ongoing professional development.

The award is to celebrate women who have made significant contributions in their respective fields, demonstrating excellence, leadership, and dedication.

It also honours those who inspire positive change, break barriers, create opportunities for others, and serve as role models for future generations.

AHC said women leaders in Solomon Islands play a vital role in shaping communities and driving progress across many sectors.

“The Australia Awards Women’s Leadership Award highlights the impact of alumnae who are championing positive change. Their dedication and resilience contribute to a stronger, more inclusive society,” said AHC.

The statement noted that to be eligible for this award, nominees must be Australia Awards alumnae.

AHC said the nominations are open to anyone who wishes to recognise the contributions of an exceptional alumna and self-nominations are also welcomed.

Nomination as noted, will close on March 3, 2026 at 11: 59 pm and nominations can be submitted through the link; https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/WLA26.

Photo: AHC

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By RODRICK DESURI 

Auki 

The Solomon Islands Agriculture Rural Transformation (SIART) has invested SDB 6.99 million in 16 Agribusiness Producer Organizations (APBO) in Malaita Province. 

The SIART project’s goal is to increase agricultural production and improve market access in selected provinces, namely Guadalcanal, Malaita, and Makira/Ulawa. 

The project also aims to enhance agricultural sustainability and livelihoods, and it prioritizes a prompt and effective response in the event of an eligible crisis or emergency. 

According to a media release from SIART on Tuesday, Malaita piggery farmers have expressed their appreciation for the support provided through the Solomon Islands Agriculture Rural Transformation (SIART) Project.

The statement said this support will improve the livelihoods of rural communities by allowing farmers to produce healthier pigs, which will increase their earnings and in turn, enable them to afford necessities for their households and their children’s education.

Almost 16 associations that received support from the SIART project will benefit from a $400,000 grant that includes the construction of a breeding and fattening shelter, improvement of breeding stock, tools and equipment, and a working capital revolving fund for members of the association to purchase stock and feed.

Tom Irosaea from Fa’arau Village in Central Kwara’ae said the project will help and support them to achieve their dreams.

“I was a piggery farmer for 40 years. In our community, we have struggled to have a breeding shelter for our people, but it is hard. So, we are thankful that SIART is supporting us in achieving this dream.

“In Fa’arau village, the association’s breeding shelter is already taking shape, and we are confident that it will be completed by the end of this year,” he said.

Island Sun understands that most of the associations are yet to complete their breeding shelters, due to delayed materials.

SIART is also providing refresher training for local farmers on pig husbandry, animal health, and financial literacy to enable the association to manage their ABPO.

Photo credit: SIART

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