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CBSI keeps accommodative stance, introduces 1.5 percent policy rate

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BY NED GAGAHE

The Central Bank of Solomon Islands (CBSI) will maintain its accommodative monetary policy stance for the next six months, while introducing a new policy rate set at 1.5 percent to strengthen its monetary policy framework.

CBSI Governor Luke Forau announced the decision following the Bank’s Board meeting yesterday.

Mr Forau said the move aims to support ongoing economic recovery while keeping inflation below five percent.

“Today’s decisions support Solomon Islands’ ongoing economic recovery while safeguarding price stability. Introducing a policy rate improves the clarity of our stance and strengthens the transmission of monetary policy to the broader economy,” he said.

The newly introduced policy rate will serve as the main signal of the Bank’s monetary policy stance. It is expected to guide interest rates across the economy, including those offered by commercial banks on loans and savings.

Forau said the move will improve transparency and provide clearer forward guidance to businesses, households and financial institutions.

CBSI said that economic activity was strengthened in the second half of 2025, exceeding earlier expectations.

Growth was driven by strong mineral exports and improved performance across agriculture, fishing, communications, wholesale and retail trade, and tourism.

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Australia’s support stand as a testament: Ghemu

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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

The Australian Government’s continuous support to Solomon Islands stands as a testament to both countries shared friendship and cooperation.

Minister of Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management and Meteorology (MECDM) Wayne Ghemu said this during the handover of four drones to the Ministry’s Disaster Management Division on Wednesday this week.

He said this partnership is demonstrated across many areas, from major infrastructure initiatives to the technical training of our disaster response personnel.

“Australia’s collaborative efforts with the Solomon Islands have contributed to the proposed new humanitarian and multi-agency warehousing in Honiara, the Auki Humanitarian Warehouse, and the refurbishment of Provincial Emergency Operations Centre in Gizo and Lata, notably the newly constructed Taro Provincial Emergency Operations Centre, delivered through the IDEIM project, funded by the Australian Government,” Ghemu said.

He said these operation centres stand as a significant achievement and soon will be formally handed over to the Government and people of the Solomon Islands.

He also acknowledges Australia’s substantial support in strengthening the capability and capacity of our National Emergency Response Team (NERT).

“As the Solomon Islands Flagship Initiative for Disaster Management, NERT represents our firm commitment to safeguarding our people through a highly trained and rapidly deployable response team.

“Through Australia’s partnership, NERT officers now have access to advanced skills, technology and resources, including the drone capability that is going to be received today, positioning them to respond with greater speed, precision and confidence, both at home and in the future within the wider region,” he said.

He said that Solomon Islands is investing directly in safer and more resilient communities by investing in these tools.

He said that this partnership is grounded not only in support but in mutual respect, shared priorities and a common commitment to safeguard the well-being of our people.

He describes Wednesday’s event as an important milestone in both countries shared commitment to building a safer and more resilient Solomon Islands.

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Father in custody accused of rape

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BY ALICE T CAMPBELL

Police in Lata, Temotu Province have arrested a 38‑year‑old man on allegations of raping his 12‑year‑old daughter.

The offences occurred on multiple occasions between April and August 2025 on Santa Cruz Island, a statement by police on Wednesday this week said.

The victim disclosed the abuse to her mother, who then reported the matter to authorities.

Following investigations, the suspect was taken into custody on February 13, 2026.

The man has been charged with seven counts of incest under Section 163 of the Penal Code (Sexual Offences Act 2016).

He is remanded in the Lata Correctional Facility awaiting his next court appearance.

Police appeal to community members with further information to come forward and assist with the investigation.

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Case of overcharging bus fare adjourned

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BY MELVILE TITIULU

The Magistrate Court yesterday adjourned the matter involving a bus owner who was charged with overcharging bus fare.

The defendant Mr John Ratu of Tasiboko village, North-East Guadalcanal, Guadalcanal Province, was charged with one count of failure to comply with licence condition contrary to sections 4 (d) as read with section 6 and section (8) (1) (a) of the Honiara City Council (Regulation of business license) ordinance 2011.

Allegations said on August 18, 2025 at about 11.30am, the defendant breached the business licence condition by collecting $5 bus fare from central market bus stop to King George bus stop.

The public bus registration number was B-1515.

The matter was listed to be heard for mention yesterday before Magistrate Michael Fagani but was adjourned to Wednesday, February 26 as Magistrate Fagani is currently on leave, and expected to resume duties next week.

Magistrate Ben Alasia in court also gave a seven-day adjournment for other six Honiara City Council cases enlisted for mention yesterday as per instruction from Magistrate Michael Fagani.

Ellington Matangani represented the defendant while Honiara City Council was represented by their HCC Prosecutors.

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Man fined $3k for domestic violence

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BY MELVILLE TITIULU

A man has been ordered to pay $3000 fine after he was found guilty of domestic violence.

The man, 41, who cannot be named for the protection of the victim, was ordered by the magistrate court yesterday to pay the fine by Friday, February 27 before 4pm.

He was charged with one count of domestic violence contrary to section 58(1) of the Family Protection Act, 2014.

Failure to pay by the given date, the man faces a six-month prison time.

The complainant is 39 years old. She is a market vendor at the central market in Honiara.

The man and the victim are husband and wife who have five children.

Case facts said on November 22, 2025, the complainant was selling her products at the central market when the man who was drunk came and sat by her side.

The man had been drinking since the day before.

As they were sitting together, the man told the victim that he was going to the hospital because his nephew had died.

The victim told him that in her culture it was forbidden to show up to a death when one was drunk.

The man replied by swearing at the victim.

The behaviour of the man at the time left the victim feeling embarrassed.

A police officer and a city council law enforcement officer came and apprehended the man.

He was charged and bailed to appear in court on December 15, 2025.

The man failed to appear in court on two occasions, so prosecution applied for a warrant of arrest.

The man was remanded in custody on January 27, 2026.

He was arraigned on February 17, 2026 and pleaded guilty.

Magistrate Ben Alasia heard the aggravating and mitigating factors in court yesterday.

In his ruling he said that since the man had two prior convictions for domestic violence and psychological abuse on June 6, 2023 apart from other convictions, this was a serious aggravating factor.

The defendant is a persistent offender and failed to deter by previous orders and sentencing imposed by this court, Alasia said.

Court noted that the defendant had been remanded in custody since January 27. He spent 23 days in custody. The days the defendant spent in custody are served as part of his sentencing and he already served it.

Thus, was ordered by magistrate court to pay $3000 as fine by Friday, February 27 before 4pm.

PC Auna J acted for prosecutions and Luahiti H appeared for the defendant.

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‘BETTER THAN EXPECTED’

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Solomons’ economy strengthened in 2nd half of 2025 due to solid mineral exports, active key sectors: Central Bank

BY NED GAGAHE

Economic activity strengthened in the second half of 2025, exceeding earlier expectations, according to the Central Bank of Solomon Islands (CBSI).

Speaking during the announcement of the Bank’s accommodative monetary policy stance for the next six months alongside the introduction of a new 1.5 percent policy rate, CBSI Governor Dr Luke Forau said stronger growth was driven by solid mineral exports and improved performance across key sectors.

Dr Forau said agriculture, fishing, communications, wholesale and retail trade, and tourism all recorded better-than-expected outcomes, while labour market conditions remained broadly supportive.

“Against this backdrop, CBSI has revised up its growth outlook to 3.6 percent for 2025 and 3.8 percent for 2026, underpinned by mining expansion and broad-based growth in services, more than offsetting the decline in logging,” he said.

CBSI said that global growth is projected to remain steady in 2026, with inflation in many economies easing towards central bank targets. International food and fuel prices are expected to remain subdued amid ample supply, supporting lower imported inflation.

On the external front, the country’s foreign reserves are projected to remain adequate at around 12 months of import cover in 2026. This will be supported by robust export earnings and continued donor inflows.

Fiscal policy is expected to shift towards consolidation this year as Government works to manage the fiscal deficit and rebuild cash buffers.

Monetary aggregates are projected to grow moderately, while credit growth is expected to remain modest, mainly driven by personal lending.

Headline inflation eased sharply to 1.6 percent in December 2025, down from 3.7 percent in June. The decline reflects lower domestic price pressures and subdued imported inflation.

Core inflation also moderated to 0.9 percent over the same period, indicating contained underlying demand.

Looking ahead, headline inflation is expected to rise temporarily in the first quarter of 2026 due to heavy rainfall affecting local food prices. However, it is projected to ease to around 3.5 percent by June and 3.4 percent by December 2026. Core inflation is forecasted to remain low at about one percent this year.

CBSI cautions that risks to the outlook remain, including heightened geopolitical tensions that could lift global oil prices, more extreme weather events that may disrupt food supply, and ongoing domestic market inefficiencies.

The Bank says it will continue to closely monitor both domestic and global developments and stands ready to adjust its policy stance if inflationary pressures intensify or significant macroeconomic shocks arise.

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DRAWS DONE, GAME ON!

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Solomon Islands set for historic double hosting and tough OFC U-16 draws

BY RICHARD MENANOPO

The Solomon Islands is preparing for a landmark year in youth football after official draws confirmed challenging group assignments for both the national men’s and women’s under-16 teams ahead of the 2026 OFC championships.

According to the Oceania Football Confederation, the draws were finalized on 18 February at the OFC Home of Football – Te Kahu o Kiwa in Auckland, confirming match pathways and host arrangements for the region’s premier youth competitions.

The biggest spotlight will fall on Solomon Islands as hosts of the OFC U-16 Women’s Championship from 6–19 September, a milestone moment for the growth of women’s football in the country.

Drawn in Group A, the hosts will face defending champions New Zealand, Fiji and the yet-to-be-decided qualifying winner.

Solomon Islands will open their campaign against New Zealand on Sunday 6 September at Lawson Tama Stadium (3pm), before meeting the qualifying winner on Wednesday 9 September (12pm) and Fiji on Saturday 12 September (3pm), with all host-nation fixtures scheduled for Lawson Tama.

“Hosts Solomon Islands have been drawn alongside defending champions New Zealand, Fiji and the qualifying winner in Group A,” OFC said.

The qualifying tournament, to be played in Papua New Guinea from 18–24 April, will feature American Samoa, Papua New Guinea and Cook Islands in a round-robin format, with the winner advancing to Honiara.

The 2026 event will be the eighth edition of the OFC U-16 Women’s Championship, which OFC describes as providing a vital pathway for emerging female footballers across Oceania to gain international experience.

Meanwhile, the Solomon Islands U-16 men’s side faces a difficult Group B assignment at the OFC U-16 Men’s Championship in Papua New Guinea from July 12-25.

They will meet defending champions New Zealand, Tahiti and the qualifying winner, while Group A contains hosts Papua New Guinea, New Caledonia, Fiji and Samoa.

Solomon Islands will begin their campaign against New Zealand on Monday 13 July, followed by Tahiti on Thursday 16 July, before closing group play against the qualifier on Sunday 19 July.

“Defending champions New Zealand headline Solomon Islands’ pool, with Tahiti and the qualifying winner completing Group B”, OFC said.

A top-two finish would secure a semi-final berth on 22 July, with the tournament final scheduled for 25 July.

The men’s championship represents the 23rd edition of Oceania’s premier youth competition, dating back to 1983 when it was contested at under-17 level.

Together, the two tournaments signal a defining chapter for youth football in Solomon Islands — with the girls competing before home supporters and the boys testing themselves against the region’s strongest nations overseas.

“These championships remain central to talent development in Oceania, offering young players a clear pathway toward higher-level international football”, OFC said.

For Solomon Islands, attention now turns to preparation, squad selection and building momentum as the nation prepares to host a major women’s tournament while chasing regional success on both fronts in 2026.

Photo: OFC Media

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MP Quan Wing Chun welcomes participants for training

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BY TONY IROGA

As the days draw close to the end of this month, MP Quan Wing Chun school is looking forward to welcome all the participants for training this year.

This was following the announcement statement issued by the Club, a couple of days ago.

A recent statement by MP Quan Wing Chun said that old and new participants who wish to join the Club are urged to register before they begin the training sessions.

MP Quan Wing Chun is a traditional Chinese martial art school specializing in wing Chun kung fu.

“The training aims to promote self- discipline, character building, health fitness and self- defence against larger forces,” the statement said.

The statement said the training is also to maintain a calm mind, protect the centre, simultaneous attack and defence and not meet forces with force.

The wing Chun focuses on emphasizes close- range combat, efficiency, directness and self- defence.

The statement said the training session for 2026 has started on the 3rd of this month and will continue for the month.

It said that training days and times for this year 2026 are set for Tuesday from 5pm to 7pm and on Saturdays from 10am to 12 mid-day.

The training venue will be at Mbua Valley Community High School Hall in East Honiara.

“The new intakes who are interested are welcome to join with membership fees of one hundred and fifty dollars, as old members are urge to renew the membership fees with one hundred dollars, training fee is $3 for per training session for each participant,” the statement said.

The club urges old and new individual trainee to wear long black track suits and white T-shirts.

“Trainees are therefore urged to register to the club registration by phone 7981014 or MP Quan Wing Chun Facebook page register at the training hall when walk in for training as advice,” the statement said.

The statement said the school has established branches in Auki, Malaita province, and plans to reach out to other provinces in the future.

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Energy regulator will make electricity cleaner and cheaper: HE Turner

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BY ALICE CAMPBELL

British High Commissioner, HE Paul Turner, addressed a National Stakeholder Workshop on Energy Reform this week, highlighting the need for a new Independent Energy Regulator in Solomon Islands.  

In a keynote speech, Turner welcomes the Government’s vision for a more accessible and affordable electricity sector, saying the establishment of a new Regulator will enable more Independent Power Providers (IPPs) to provide electricity in Solomons. 

Turner underlined that solar was a source of power that should be utilised more, and the new Regulator would encourage more solar IPPs. 

He said that the current grid system which was 90 percent diesel generated was untenable both economically and environmentally. 

Solomons must look beyond diesel for cleaner, cheaper power on and off grid.

The UK has deployed British experts to help the Ministry of Mines and Energy with the drafting of new legislation for an Independent Regulator.

The workshop on Wednesday canvassed views on the new legislative framework with participants from across Government and other public agencies, including Solomon Power. 

Members of the donor-diplomatic community were also present, including the World Bank and ADB who are working with the UK. 

The Ministry of Energy and Mines welcomes UK’s contribution and stressed the need to keep up the momentum on reforms in the energy sector.  

Turner said the process is taking time but progress is also being made.

Photo: Supplied

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Malaitan MPs called to support Bina Harbour Project

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By RODRICK DESURI

Auki

A Malaita rural grass-root leader, Sam Suili is calling on other thirteen Members of Parliament of Malaita Province to support MP Claudius Tei’ifi to bring the Bina Harbour Project to reality.

Mr Suili, from West Kwara’ae, said each MP should support in other physical works of the Bina project where the government falls short.

He said this is to show the national government that as the host province of the project, our leaders and people are serious about realising this project.

“This is the idea that I want to put across. We are the host province of this national project, and seeing Claudius Tei’ifi behind this project isn’t reflecting working together as one and finding developments and employment for your people.

“So, I agree that each of the 14 MPs in Malaita Province to support the project one million each. This money will go for other works that the national government fall short to do,” he said.

He said that if works are carried out and implemented by national government and aid donors, it will take longer before the actual implementation of the project.

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