BY MELVILLE TITIULU

The case against a man accused of stealing gold from the Gold Ridge has been further adjourned for Monday 23^th February, 2026.

The matter was initially listed for sentencing on Friday, February 20^th at the last mention but was adjourned in court on that day.

The new mention date is set for Monday 23th February, 2026 for ruling on sentencing.

Magistrate Ben Alasia informed court on Friday morning as per instruction from Principal Magistrate Hollison of his unavailability to hear the matter as he had other personal commitment to attend to.

Consequently, Bail for Mr Loke was also extended.

At the last mention, Principal Magistrate Felix Hollison heard oral submissions from both prosecution and defence counsel on the matter in the form of written submissions tendered in court.

Principal Magistrate Felix Hollison will weigh mitigating and aggravating features as tendered, in reaching a ruling on the sentencing range for the defendant come Monday 23th February.

Mr Loke, from Haimane village, Tina area, Central Guadalcanal was charged with one count of housebreaking and committing felony contrary to section 300 (a) of the Penal code.

The offence carries a maximum penalty of 14 years imprisonment.

This was in relation to an incident that took place on October 11, 2025 where the defendant Aron Loke, 33, was accused of stealing 32.5 grammes of carbon gold valued at $28,000.

The complainant in this matter is Gold Ridge Mining limited.

Fransisca Luza from the office of the Director of Prosecution represented Gold Ridge Mining Limited.

Defence Counsel Wally Hatingonga from Public Solicitors Office appeared for the defense.

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BY MELVILLE TITIULU

A man who could not be named to protect the identity of the victim has pleaded guilty to domestic violence charges in court on Friday, February 20.

The matter was heard in court by Magistrate Ben Alasia.

The defendant from Sikaiana in Malaita Outer Island is charged with one count of domestic violence contrary to section 58 (1) of the Family Protection Act, 2014.

The defendant and the victim are wife and husband. They both have a child.

It was alleged in the charges that the defendant slapped the victim while she was carrying their baby.

Police Constable Ms. Anina confirmed that the charge was filed on 29 February 2026 and that the defendant took his plea on Friday, February 20.

Defense counsel informed the court that he proposes to call the defendant to take his plea to that one count of Domestic Violence charge.

Magistrate Ben Alasia asked the defendant both in English and Pidgin as to how he will plea the charge of Domestic Violence to which he pleaded guilty.

The matter was further adjourned to Friday 27^th February at 9am for sentencing.

This was after both counsels agreed for a 7 days adjournment to give ample time for respective counsels to settle the agreed facts and to have it settled and prepared before sentencing submissions at the next proposed mention date.

In the meantime, Magistrate informed parties to file agreed facts and furnish copies at the registry.

The court then ordered that the defendant to be remanded in custody while awaiting sentencing at the adjourned date.

Police constable Ms. Anina appears for the prosecutions.

Counsel Saeni appears on behalf of Moffat Kiriau, Senior Legal Officer, from the Public Solicitors Office.

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SIFF technical department to host women’s programme tomorrow

BY TONY IROGA

The Solomon Islands Football Federation Technical Department (SIFF-TD) is preparing an open women’s football festival for tomorrow.

The women’s open football festival will kick off at 8am to 12 mid-day at the Solomon Islands Football Federation (SIFF) academy turf in East Honiara.

According to SIFF Technical Department (SIFF-TD), women football enthusiasts are urged to come in numbers, register, have fun, learn new skills and meet other players.

“The key purpose of hosting this Women’s Open Football Festival is to prepares the women’s and girls for the upcoming U-16 OFC women’s champions League which is set for September this year,” the SIFF statement said.

It said women’s open football festival will run for the girls to train and keep selection of players towards U-16 OFC Champions League.

The statement said the Women’s Open Football Festival is also to promote girls in football, learn new skills, and provide a platform for enjoyment and development.

The Women’s Open Football Festival is organised as part of SIFF Academy Selection Development (SIFF-ASD) for under U15 and U16 women’s.

“The young women’s future football stars 15 years and above are encouraged to join in the tournament, this is your moment,” the statement said.

Also noted is that the Women’s Open Football Festival is free of registration for those interested to join.

The statement said the festival is also tracking players for the under U-15 for the upcoming Youth Development Tournament scheduled for May 4-12 in Fiji.

Photo: SIFF Media

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BY BEN BILUA
Gizo

WESTERN Province’s SAFENET partners concluded a three-day meeting to review and strengthen the network’s referral system which aims to support survivors of gender-based and domestic violence.

The meeting brought together active partners from across Western Province to assess the effectiveness of the existing system and identify areas for improvement.

Provincial Coordinator for Western Province’s SAFENET and Principal Women Development Officer, Lisi Wong, told the media the review allowed partners to relook at the current referral pathways and discuss possible enhancements.

She said discussions focused on key areas that require greater priority while also clarifying the roles and responsibilities of each partner within the network.

Mrs Wong said partners involved in the review included the Health Authority, Police, Family Support Centre, Public Solicitor’s Office, Director of Public Prosecutions, Western Provincial Council Women, Western Province Women Division and church organisations.

She said each partner plays a distinct role in supporting survivors — from case management and protection services to paralegal assistance, health services and community awareness.

Wong acknowledges the continued support of partner organisations in assisting the Women and Development Division to conduct awareness programs that aim to address gender-based and domestic violence affecting women, girls and children.

Western Province Provincial Secretary Patrick Toiraena commended partners for their commitment to ensure that victims of gender-based violence are protected and supported.

He said the geographical size of Western Province presents challenges for the network in meeting community expectations but stressed the importance of continued dedication.

“It requires sacrifice, gut and commitment. I urge respective partners to carry out their roles.

“I, on behalf of the Western Provincial Government, acknowledge your commitment and dedication to this role,” he said.

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BY NED GAGAHE

The National Parliament of Solomon Islands has announced the appointment of Margaret Sipele as Director of Inter-Parliamentary Relations, effective November 28, 2025.

The appointment marks a significant milestone in Parliament’s ongoing institutional restructuring programme, with the formal establishment of the Inter-Parliamentary Relations Department as a dedicated and strategic function within the organisation.

A statement from Parliament said while similar offices operate in other Pacific legislatures, this is the first time such a department has been formally constituted within Solomon Islands’ Parliament.

“In her new role, Mrs Sipele will be responsible for strengthening and sustaining Parliament’s relationships with regional and international parliamentary institutions, diplomatic missions, development partners and other key stakeholders.

“The position will play a central role in coordinating inter-parliamentary engagements, advancing parliamentary diplomacy and ensuring effective representation of the country’s Parliament at regional and international forums,” the statement said.

Prior to her appointment, Sipele served as Chief Research Officer in the Parliament’s Research Unit, where she contributed to policy research and legislative support services.

Sipele is currently pursuing a Postgraduate Certificate in Diplomacy and International Affairs at the University of the South Pacific. She holds a Professional Diploma in Legal Practice and a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) from the same institution, as well as a Bachelor of Commerce majoring in Management, Public Administration and Tourism Studies.

The National Parliament has extended its congratulations to Mrs Sipele, expressing confidence in her leadership as it continues to strengthen its inter-parliamentary relations and diplomatic engagement.

Photo: Supplied

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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

Natural disasters have been part of the national stories of both Australia and Solomon Islands, said Richard Marles, Australia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence.

Mr Marles said this when he officially handed over four drones on behalf of the Australian Government to the Government of Solomon Islands.

Marles delivered the advanced drones to Wayne Ghemu, Minister for Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management and Meteorology (MECDM) during a ceremony on Wednesday this week at Aola Patrol boat base.

“It is an honour for me to be here today at this very important ceremony to hand over these very important pieces of equipment.

“We share the same neighbourhood, which means that we share the same weather, and in so many ways we share the same experiences, which is why, since independence, we’ve had deep cooperation between our agencies that respond to natural disasters, including the National Disaster Management Office, as well as the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force.

“So, it is an enormous pleasure to hand over these four parrot drones, which will have the ability to be able to assess damage in the aftermath of a disaster within, as the Minister said, those critical first 48 hours,” Marles said.

He said it is an absolutely essential capability to have, to be able to bring bare picture of what has occurred so that response can be rapid and effective.

He said that these drones add to supporting Solomon Islands in its response to natural disasters, including the humanitarian warehouse, that will operate in combination with the other humanitarian warehouse at Auki in Malaita.

According to Marles, these will provide critical stores, which are absolutely needed in the most difficult moment.

“As we face natural disasters together, what all of these drones represent is a shared experience between our two countries, but I very much hope they also represent a symbol of the friendship and the partnership between Solomon Islands and Australia, because they demonstrate that in the most difficult and darkest of moments, both of our countries stand shoulder to shoulder with each other.

“And in those moments, we respond, we repair, we rebuild, and together we face the future,” he said.

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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

The handover of advance drones to the National Disaster Management office marks a significant step forward to strengthen the country’s national disaster preparedness and response capabilities.

Minister for Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management and Meteorology (MECDM) Wayne Ghemu said this at the handover of the equipment which took place at the Aola Patrol Base in Honiara on Wednesday this week.

Ghemu received four-parrot drones from Richard Marles, Australia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence of Australia.

He said the provision of these drones reflects Australia’s unwavering commitment to strengthen the Solomon Islands’ sovereign humanitarian response capacity.

“On behalf of the Solomon Islands Government, I wish to sincerely convey our heartfelt appreciation to the Government and people of Australia for their steadfast and generous support,” he said.

He said the drones will significantly elevate the operational strength of the National Disaster Management Office.

“I also wish to commend the officers who have completed comprehensive drone pilot training under the inviolable guidance of the Australian Defence Force. Their professionalism and technical expertise will ensure that this new capability is used safely, responsibly and to its fullest potential,” he said.

He said their advanced aerial assessment abilities will allow them to quickly evaluate disaster impacts, support search and rescue operations and enable faster, better-informed decision making.

“These contributions substantially enhance our national capacity to respond effectively to disasters, particularly within the critical first 48 hours of emergency.

“This ensures that relief reaches affected communities more efficiently and more effectively. Beyond immediate response, these drones will strengthen our ongoing risk reduction efforts, supporting community-based disaster management programs through continuous monitoring, mapping of vulnerable areas and enhanced preparedness planning,” Minister Ghemu said.

He said the donation forms an integral component of Solomon Islands and Australia’s broader humanitarian partnership, anchored in a shared vision for long-term capacity building and resilience.

“Collaborative initiatives continue to strengthen the skills, coordination and readiness of our emergency responders. While the Australian Humanitarian Partnership supports disaster-ready initiatives across 46 communities and envisages 38 locally-led risk reduction and climate adaptation plans, as the Solomon Islands confronts growing climate-related risks, these joint efforts are essential in reinforcing resilience at the national, provincial and community levels,” Ghemu said.

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