BY ALICE T CAMPBELL

The Maritime of the Royal Solomon Island Police Force (RSIPF) wishes to address and clarify a recent incident that circulated widely on social media involving that of an RSIPF fast craft donated by the People’s Republic of China (PRC).

RSIPF in a statement yesterday said the vessel was temporarily secured ashore at Leroy Wharf during Cyclone Maila as part of standard safety precautions to protect critical maritime assets from severe weather conditions.

And while the vessel was under this protective arrangement, a group of youths unlawfully boarded the craft and captured photographs, which were later disseminated online accompanied by inappropriate gestures.

RSIPF Maritime considered this behaviour as “regrettable” given that it involved unauthorised access to a government asset that plays a vital role in maritime policing, safety operations, and emergency response capability.

When the matter was identified, RSIPF Maritime immediately engaged relevant stakeholders through established administrative and operational procedures.

RSIPF said the management of SolFish Company was also engaged and have taken appropriate internal action in relation to the incident.

The statement said the youths involved came forward to formally apologise for their actions.

“They were received at the RSIPF Maritime Aola Base by Maritime Operations Officer Inspector William Kelomae and other maritime officers on Tuesday, 19 May 2026,” said RSIPF.

Inspector Kelomae acknowledged their apology and commended them for being accountable and mature in the sense of voluntarily addressing the matter.

RSIPF said he also took the opportunity to provide guidance; reinforcing the importance of respecting government property, understanding operational security, and recognising that even actions taken without malicious intent can have broader implications for public institutions.

RSIPF Maritime emphasised that its assets are essential to safeguard lives at sea, support law enforcement operations, and respond to emergencies across the Solomon Islands maritime domain.

Hence, any unauthorised interaction with such assets not only compromises operational readiness but also undermines public trust and safety protocols.

“The RSIPF Executive and China Police Liaison Team (CPLT) have been fully briefed and strongly support the professional, balanced, and community-focused approach taken by RSIPF Maritime in resolving the matter through engagement, education, and restorative dialogue.

“RSIPF Maritime remains committed to strengthening community awareness, promoting respect for state assets, and encouraging responsible behavior among young people, particularly in relation to critical national infrastructure and maritime safety resources,” RSIPF said.

Photo credit: RSIPF

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BY ALICE T CAMPBELL

The Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) Explosive Ordnance Disposal Department (EODD) will conduct a Render Safe Procedure (RSP) on a live unexploded bomb recently identified at Vatukulau in the Aruligo area, North West Guadalcanal today.

According to a RSIPF statement released yesterday, Director of the RSIPF EODD, Inspector Clifford Tunuki, said the operation will be carried out between 10:00am and 4:00pm today.

“The operation will take place within the Vatukulau area inland of Aruligo.

“During this period, communities and members of the public living in and around Vatukulau and Aruligo are strongly advised to stay clear of the designated operational area while EOD procedures are underway,” he said.

Inspector Tunuki said temporary evacuations, movement restrictions, and roadblocks will be enforced within affected areas to ensure safety of communities and to allow EOD personnel to safely carry out the operation.

He said this operation is necessary to safely neutralise the sensitive explosive components and protect nearby communities.

“We therefore seek the full cooperation and understanding of residents, landowners, and the general public while the operation is in progress,” Tunuki said.

He emphasised that the operation will only be conducted today, during the specified operational hours and normal access will resume once the area has been declared safe by the EOD team on the ground.

RSIPF said the RSIPF EOD Department continues to urge members of the public to immediately report any sightings or discoveries of suspected unexploded ordnance (UXO), including bombs, grenades, artillery shells, mortars, or ammunition remnants from World War II.

Tunuki said unexploded ordnance remains extremely dangerous and should never be touched, moved, or disturbed under any circumstances.

“Members of the public are strongly encouraged to report any suspicious items immediately,” he said.

RSIPF said reports can be made through the RSIPF toll-free emergency line at 999, the RSIPF EOD mobile number 7495215, or to any nearest police stations.

Photo credit: RSIPF

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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

Mr Henry Rahemola, Norman Palmer School principal says the school’s Annual Speech Day continues to provide students with an important platform to develop and showcase their public speaking abilities.

He made the statement during the school’s 4th Annual Speech Day held yesterday, at the Christ the King Chapel opposite the school compound where students, teachers, parents, invited guests and judges gathered to witness speech presentations by finalists.

In his opening remarks, Rahemola said the Speech Day program became part of the school’s annual calendar following the successful completion of a national speech competition in 2023.

He adds that the event allows students to build confidence, improve communication skills and compete in a positive learning environment.

He further said that students who participated in the finals had successfully progressed through elimination rounds conducted in their respective classes.

Rahemola acknowledges teachers for their commitment and hard work in organising the eliminations and preparing students for the competition.

He also reminded the students that the competition is part of the learning process and more opportunities will be available in the future.

“The administration thanks everyone, invited judges and guests for taking time away from your normal duties to support the program,” Rahemola said.

Photo credit: John Houanihau

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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

Students of Bishop Norman Palmer Anglican School showcased their confidence and public speaking abilities during the school’s annual speech competition held yesterday at the school compound at Borderline in East Honiara.

Held under the theme “Brave Voices, Bright Future,” the event brought together students, teachers, parents and invited guests to celebrate communication skills and student leadership through speech presentations.

The competition was attended by guest of honour Mr Desmond Waita, Education Secretary for ACOM schools, invited guests, school leaders and judges.

The programme began with the traditional garlanding of guests, followed by an opening prayer led by Rev. Barnabas Maelanga. Welcome remarks were delivered by Ms Sarah Taniro and the school principal, Mr Henry Rahemola.

Students from both the primary and secondary divisions took part in the competition, demonstrating their public speaking talents, confidence and ability to communicate effectively before an audience.

Participants competed across several categories, including senior primary classes four to six, junior secondary Form Two, intermediate secondary Forms Three and Four, and senior secondary Forms Five and Six.

At the end of the competition, winners and runners-up from each category received prizes and awards sponsored by Our Telekom and Provincial Press.

The annual event continues to provide an important platform for students to build confidence, strengthen communication skills and prepare for future leadership roles.

Photo credit: John Houanihau

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BY NED GAGAHE

Secretary General of the Pacific Islands Forum, Baron Divavesi Waqa, met with Matthew Wale in Honiara yesterday.

During the meeting, Secretary General Waqa congratulated Prime Minister Wale on his recent appointment and acknowledged the peaceful leadership transition in Solomon Islands as a strong reflection of the country’s commitment to democratic governance.

A statement from the Pacific Islands Forum said Mr Waqa also congratulated Prime Minister Wale on his important regional role as Chair of the Forum.

He said the Blue Pacific region requires bold and steady leadership at a critical time as Pacific nations continue to deal with ongoing regional challenges and crises.

The meeting also provided an opportunity for the Secretary General to brief Prime Minister Wale on key regional priorities, including the current fuel crisis and efforts underway to support a coordinated regional response.

Discussions further focused on Solomon Islands’ leadership role as Forum Chair in guiding regional dialogue, cooperation and collective action among Pacific member countries.

Secretary General Waqa reaffirmed the Forum Secretariat’s full support for Prime Minister Wale, both in his role as Solomon Islands’ national leader and as Chair of the Pacific Islands Forum.

The meeting highlighted the importance of regional unity and cooperation as Pacific leaders continue to address pressing economic and development challenges facing the region.

Photo: Supplied

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BY NED GAGAHE

Australia’s Defence Minister Richard Marles says he is confident relations between Australia and Solomon Islands will continue to strengthen under the new government led by Prime Minister Matthew Wale.

Speaking at the Lowy Institute in Melbourne, Mr Marles said he had already been in contact with Prime Minister Wale since his election and expressed strong confidence in the future of the bilateral relationship.

“I know Matthew well. I’ve been in contact with Matthew since he became Prime Minister. I have an enormous sense of confidence about how we will take the relationship forward with Solomon Islands,” Mr Marles said.

He said Australia has continued to strengthen its partnership with Solomon Islands since the Australian Labor Government came into office in 2022.

Mr Marles acknowledged the cooperation that existed under previous governments, including the administration of former Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare.

“And I think with both the Manele government, but even with Prime Minister Sogavare, when we first came to government since 2022, we really have been able to progress that partnership,” he said.

The Australian Defence Minister said Canberra’s objective is to remain the “natural partner of choice” for Pacific nations, including Solomon Islands.

“Our objective here is to be the natural partner of choice. I genuinely think that’s how Solomon Islands sees it,” he said.

Mr Marles said Solomon Islands and the wider Pacific region remain strategically important to Australia, adding that Australia is committed to maintaining strong cooperation and engagement with the region.

“Solomon Islands is strategically deeply important to Australia. They know that we see that and they know that we mean to be a committed partner for them,” he said.

He added that he is confident that the relationship between the two countries will continue to grow under the Wale Government.

Photo: Supplied

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BY NED GAGAHE

United States (US) Secretary of State Marco Rubio has congratulated Matthew Wale on his election as the new Prime Minister of Solomon Islands.

In a statement this week, Mr Rubio said the United States Government looks forward to working closely with Prime Minister Wale and his new government.

“The United States congratulates Prime Minister Matthew Wale on his election. We look forward to working closely with Prime Minister Wale and his new government to grow our cooperation with Solomon Islands,” Mr Rubio said.

He added that both countries can work together towards greater security, strength and prosperity.

“Together, we will make our nations safer, stronger, and more prosperous,” he said.

Island Sun understands that US Chargé d’Affaires Dan O’Hara also congratulated Prime Minister Wale during a recent meeting.

During the meeting, both sides discussed ways to increase trade and investment opportunities that will benefit both Solomon Islanders and Americans.

A statement from the US Embassy in Solomon Islands said the United States remains committed to supporting Solomon Islands’ prosperity, democracy and sovereignty.

“As one of the first countries to recognise Solomon Islands after its independence, the United States remains committed to Solomon Islanders’ prosperity, democracy, and sovereignty,” the statement said.

Photo: Supplied

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