BY RICHARD MENANOPO

Cricket in Solomon Islands is steadily rebuilding its base, with the Solomon Islands Cricket Federation (SICF) stepping up preparations for 2026 through structured training at the Solomon Islands National Institute of Sport (SINIS).

According to information released by National Sports Council (NSC), the federation this week conducted a focused ‘Skills Session’ at the national High-Performance (HP) facility, marking a return to organized activity following its successful registration for the 2026 sporting calendar.

“Solomon Islands Cricket Federation has continued its 2026 preparations with a focused ‘Skills Session’ at SINIS this week”, the NSC Media update said.

The session comes shortly after the federation confirmed its registration with the NSC, a step that formally places cricket back within the national sports framework and enables access to elite facilities and technical support.

“Since confirming its registration, SICF has been actively training, building momentum from last week as it rolls out its program for the year”, the statement added.

While the training itself focuses on skills development, sports administrators say the significance lies in the timing — with preparations beginning early rather than later in the season.

Training at SINIS is expected to strengthen core fundamentals, including batting, bowling and fielding, while also improving overall conditioning standards among players.

The use of the high-performance center reflects a broader shift among national federations towards a more structured and consistent preparation, particularly as attention turns to longer-term targets beyond domestic competitions.

For local cricket followers, the return to regular training signals renewed direction for a sport that has faced intermittent activity in recent years.

NSC Media described the session as part of the federation’s wider 2026 rollout, indicating that further activities are expected as the season progresses.

Photo: NSC MEDIA

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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

The Ministry of Culture and Tourism (MCT) successfully concluded a one-day national information session with tourism operators, reaffirming the government’s commitment to strengthening collaboration and growing the tourism sector.

The session, held at the Mendana Hotel on Thursday, February 19, brought together tourism operators and industry stakeholders to discuss government plans, policy direction, and strategies for sector development.

In an interview, MCT Permanent Secretary, Bunyan Sivoro said the information session is an annual initiative designed to maintain open communication between the government and private sector operators.

“The purpose of this event is to share updates from the ministry and ensure that our plans are aligned with the operators, who are the drivers of the industry. At the government level, we develop policies and strategic plans, but implementation relies heavily on our tourism operators. That is why partnership is critical,” he said.

He said that the tourism industry cannot thrive if stakeholders work in isolation, adding that collaboration between the government and private sector is essential to achieving sustainable growth.

The Permanent Secretary confirmed that invitations were extended to tourism operators across the country, and those able to travel attended the session.

He said the government’s long-term vision is to empower more Solomon Islanders to lead and benefit from the tourism sector.

“One of our key goals is to ensure that local people actively participate in and benefit from tourism. We encourage individuals or groups with potential tourism sites, accommodation facilities, tours, or cultural products to come forward and join the sector,” he said.

He said that tourism remains one of Solomon Islands’ key economic sectors that is generating income for families and contributing to national revenue.

“The ministry hopes that continued engagement with operators will strengthen service standards, increase local participation, and position the country as a competitive destination in the Pacific region,” he said.

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BY BEN BILUA
Gizo

PREMIER of Western Province, Billy Veo says any development must meet both economic and social viability to bring meaningful and lasting impact to people.

He made the statement during the official handing over of the Noro Road, describing the project as an important milestone that reflects the government’s commitment to improving infrastructure and livelihoods across the province.

Veo said development initiatives should not only focus on physical infrastructure but must also create economic opportunities and improve social wellbeing for communities.

He said projects that fail to address these two key elements often struggle to deliver long-term benefits.

“Development must be practical and beneficial to our people. It must support economic growth while also improving access to services such as health, education and markets,” Veo said.

He said the Noro Road will play a critical role in strengthening connectivity between communities, businesses and essential services, particularly for residents and industries operating around Noro township.

Veo stressed that improved road infrastructure will ease transportation challenges, reduce travel time and support local economic activities including fisheries, small businesses and agriculture.

He also acknowledged development partners, contractors and stakeholders who contributed to the successful completion of the project, saying collaboration is key to delivering quality infrastructure in the province.

Veo encouraged communities to take ownership of public infrastructure by ensuring proper care and maintenance so that the benefits can be sustained for future generations.

He reaffirmed the Western Provincial Government’s commitment to prioritising development projects that are inclusive, sustainable and aligned with the needs of rural communities.

Veo said the government will continue to invest in infrastructure that strengthens economic resilience while improving the social conditions of people throughout Western Province.

The Noro Road handover marks another step towards improving transport networks and supporting broader development efforts across the province.

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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

The Solomon Islands is set to install its first-ever weather radar system, marking a major step forward in strengthening the country’s weather forecasting and disaster early warning capabilities.

Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management and Meteorology (MECDM), Permanent Secretary, David Hiriasia, confirmed in an exclusive recent interview that two engineers from Australia have arrived in Honiara to begin work on the project.

Mr Hiriasia said all major equipment for the radar system is already in Honiara, with installation work scheduled to commence next week.

“The project is being delivered under the Weather Ready Pacific Programme, an initiative coordinated by the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP).

“Initial funding for the broader Weather Ready Pacific Programme is provided by the Australian Government, while the radar system itself is funded by the Government of New Zealand through SPREP,” he said.

Hiriasia described the radar system as a highly sophisticated and costly piece of equipment that will significantly enhance the country’s ability to monitor severe weather events.

“Once operational, this will be the first-ever weather radar in the Solomon Islands,” he said.

He said that the radar will improve early warning systems, particularly during heavy rainfall and flooding events, which frequently affect Honiara.

“The system will be capable of pinpointing areas likely to experience flooding, allowing authorities to issue more accurate and timely warnings. The radar will also support aviation safety by providing more precise weather data for pilots,” he said.

He said that Solomon Islands joins other Pacific nations benefiting from the programme, including Fiji, Vanuatu and Tonga, as part of a regional effort to establish a network of weather radar systems that will enable data sharing and strengthen collective disaster preparedness across the Pacific.

He said that the project represents a significant milestone in building climate resilience and improving public safety in the country.

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BY SAMIE WAIKORI

As a developing nation, Solomon Islands faces growing demand for infrastructure development, particularly for roads, wharves, and bridges.

However, limited funding remains the biggest challenge.

This is reflected in the annual budget of the Ministry of Infrastructure Development (MID), where allocated funds consistently fall short of the ministry’s planned projects.

Despite financial constraints, infrastructure development has slowly progressed with support from development partners and aid donors, helping to sustain economic activities across the country.

Speaking at a recent MID press conference, Minister for MID, Ricky Fuo’o acknowledged the ongoing funding challenges, despite the ministry’s ambitious plans to expand and improve infrastructure nationwide.

He noted that the country continues to require new roads, pointing out that Solomon Islands currently has only about 1,500 kilometres of roads.

Given the situation, the ministry has shifted its priority to properly completing and maintaining one road before moving on to another.

“For instance, an asphalt road can last at least 10 to 15 years. When we spend money on road maintenance, we must do it properly and ensure quality work,” the minister said.

Fuo’o reiterated the ministry’s commitment to expanding road networks, taking into consideration the growing demand from communities seeking better access.

He admitted that budget constraints remain a persistent challenge, but emphasized that the ministry is doing its best within the available resources.

At present, the government is working on a new road project in the Northwest Choiseul constituency of Harry Kuma. The ministry is also considering plans for a new road on mainland Ngella, noting that currently only Tulagi has roads in the entire province.

Deputy Secretary of MID, Mike Qaqara, echoed the minister’s sentiments, stating that as a developing country, there is an ongoing need for roads to boost economic activities, particularly in rural areas.

He added that as part of this effort, the ministry has upgraded several logging roads this year, converting them into government roads.

While funding continues to pose a major obstacle, he reaffirmed the ministry’s policy of permanently fixing one road before proceeding to the next project.

Photo: MID

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BY JUNLYN KELLY

The construction of the new Kirakira Wharf is reportedly progressing significantly, now that it is in the advanced stage.

Ministry of Infrastructure Development (MID) in a statement on Thursday, February 19, said the vital infrastructure project implemented under the Land and Maritime Connectivity project (LMCP) represents a substantial investment by the Solomon Islands Government with crucial assistance from the Asian Development Bank (ADB).

MID said the project aims to strengthen maritime infrastructure in Makiara/Ulawa Province (MUP).

The main wharf structure remains on schedule and is anticipated to be completed by mid-2026, with work on the passenger Terminal Building expected to commence shortly and this will run alongside other remaining construction activities, which include the installation of kerbs, fencing, safety, as well as improvements to the access road.

The completion of the Kirakira Wharf is set to greatly enhance maritime connectivity and economic opportunities.

The statement said a joint assessment team, comprising of officers from MID, Safeguarded Unit and the Land and Maritimes Connectivity Project (LMCP) and Contracted Supervision Consultant (CSC) team conducted a site visit at Kirakira last week.

The purpose of the visit was to evaluate ongoing constructions activities for the new wharf.

The delegation, which included representatives from the contractor, China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC), also held discussions with Makira-Ulawa Province Premier Stanely Siapu and executive members.

The meeting focused on the project’s current status and its anticipated benefits for the province.

Premier Siapu said the project is critically important for the province, as it will significantly improve maritime access, strengthen trade and transportation and support essential service.

“Reliable wharf infrastructure is fundamental to the province’s economic and social development,” Siapu said.

MID said the premier pointed out the dependence of communities on the sea transportation mode as their link to markets, healthcare, education, and government service.

Premier Siapu also said that the passenger terminal building will further improve travel experience by offering sheltered waiting areas.

MID Permanent Secretary, Allan Lilia reaffirmed the government’s commitment to delivering critical infrastructure that strengthens connectivity and supports inclusive development.

He said the new Kirakira Wharf is designed to improve maritime safety and reliability in Makira Ulawa Province.

Photo: MID

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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

The National Disaster Management office under the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management and Meteorology has received four new drones from the Australian Government to strengthen disaster assessment and emergency response efforts across the country.

The handover ceremony was held at the Aola Patrol Boat Base in Honiara on Wednesday, February 18, marking a significant step towards improving post-disaster operations.

Permanent Secretary of the ministry, David Hiriasia expressed appreciation for the assistance, saying the new drone will enhance the government’s ability to conduct rapid and accurate assessments following disasters.

“On behalf of the Minister, we sincerely appreciate the support from the Australian Government. As technology advances, we must also improve the way we assess and respond to disasters. These drones will help us do exactly that,” he said.

He said that delayed assessments often slow down emergency responses, as authorities must verify reports from affected communities before mobilising resources.

“The drones will allow teams to quickly gather real-time aerial data, enabling faster and more informed decision-making,” Hiriasia said.

He said that the equipment will not only benefit the National Disaster Management Office (NDMO), but will support a whole-of-government approach to disaster management.

“When we talk about disaster, it is not just one office, it involves all government sectors. For example, the Ministry of Agriculture is responsible for technical assessments related to agriculture under the national disaster plan. These drones will assist all relevant sectors to carry out their mandates effectively,” he said.

He also noted that the donation reflects the strong and ongoing partnership between the Solomon Islands Government and Australia, particularly in areas such as climate change and meteorology, which are critical for early warning services.

The new drones are expected to improve data collection, strengthen coordination among agencies, and ultimately ensure assistance reaches affected communities more quickly and efficiently.

The ministry acknowledges the Australian Government and its people for their continued support in building national capacity to respond to disasters and climate-related challenges.

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