BY ALICE T CAMPBELL

The Solomon Islands National Broadband Infrastructure Project (SINBIP) successfully launched 3 towers in Western and Choiseul Provinces.

SINBIP in a statement yesterday said these sites, Tuzu (R19) in Choiseul Province, and Boro (M23) and Karaka (R24) in Western Province, will significantly enhance internet connectivity for the Choiseul and Vella Lavella regions.

The statement said the new sites are utilizing RuralStar RAN technology, pure solar hybrid power systems, and microwave backhaul links; ensuring a reliable and sustainable operation.

With these three new sites now on-air, SINBIP’s network has expanded to a total of 68 operational sites, bringing reliable internet access to more communities across the country.

“The completion of these sites marks a significant step forward in SINBIP’s ongoing mission to bridge the digital divide, improve communication services, and create a brighter, more connected future for all Solomon Islanders,” said SINBIP.

Despite the challenging rainy season, SINBIP will continue to carry out commissioning work to connect more regions as quickly as possible.

SINBIP said China Harbour Engineering Company Limited (CHEC) and Huawei remain dedicated to delivering high-quality infrastructure that supports the nation’s development goals.

Photo credit: SINBIP

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BY ALICE T CAMPBELL

Solomon Islands under the leadership of the Minister for Foreign Affairs and External Trade (MFAET), Peter Shanel Agovaka has come to the end of its tenure as President of the Council of Ministers of the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS), following a period marked by significant institutional, financial, and strategic engagement.

A statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade, (MFAET) yesterday, said a handover ceremony of the presidency took place through a virtual meeting on Monday, February 2, 2026.

Reflecting on the tenure, Agovaka said that the Presidency was guided by “a shared commitment to restoring predictability, strengthening governance, and ensuring that the OACPS remains a credible and effective platform for collective action.”

The statement also said that during Solomon Islands Presidency, the council advanced on key priorities that aim to strengthen the organisation’s institutional and financial foundations, including the adoption of the 2026 OACPS Secretariat Budget—the first such budget adopted in several years.

Progress was also achieved on governance reforms, internal audit arrangements, and the successful transition to the new OACPS Headquarters.

On the political and strategic front, the Presidency supported preparations for the 11th OACPS Summit of Heads of State and Government, promoted inclusive engagement among member states, and contributed to effective implementation of the Samoa Agreement, including the establishment of procedures for joint institutions and partnership dialogue.

The successful convening of the 120th Session of the OACPS Council of Ministers further reflected the Organisation’s commitment to consensus-building and collective decision-making.

Agovaka formally handed over the Presidency to Honourable Seedy K. M. Keita, Minister of Finance and Economic Affairs of the Republic of The Gambia during the virtual meeting.

The statement said Solomon Islands reaffirms its continued commitment to the principles, objectives, and unity of the OACPS.

Photo credit: MFAET

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By RODRICK DESURI 

Auki 

Auki police in Malaita Province lauds Bona community of West Kwaio, Malaita Province for their trust and confidence, and for working together with the police. 

This appreciation comes after the successful launch of the police strategy to assist the Bona rural community and surrounding areas. 

In an interview with Island Sun yesterday, Malaita Provincial Police Commander, Superintendent Michael Ramosaea, said community members were very excited about the strategy, because this means their community will be safer for everyone.

He said the strategy will help solve problems, focus on building trust, prevent crime, and improve the quality of life, rather than just reacting to incidents.

Superintendent Ramosaea said this initiative involves collaboration between law enforcement, residents, and organizations, transforming police departments to support community engagement and problem-solving through key components like partnerships, organizational change, and proactive problem-solving.

“On behalf of the police, I was very glad that the Bona Community wanted to work with the police.

“It is one of the principles of the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force that police must work closely with the communities,” he said.

Superintendent Ramosaea said the successful launch at Bona Community has brought back trust and confidence in the police and it will cover the gap between the police and the community itself.

At the same time, he appeals to other communities in West Kwaio and in other areas in Malaita Province to do the same.

He said community policing will help the police to maintain law and order, safety for women and children, and prevent social activities that young people are often involved in.

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 Solomon Islands hosts Fiji delegation on Fiji WWII war grave relocation

 BY ALICE T CAMPBELL

The Permanent Secretary for Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade (MFAET), Collin Beck received a courtesy visit on Monday this week from the Government of Fiji as part of ongoing discussions on the proposed relocation of the Commonwealth War Grave of Fijian Servicemen who paid the ultimate sacrifice during the Second World War in Solomon Islands.

MFAET in its statement yesterday said Fiji’s government delegation was led by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Defence and Veterans Affairs, Mr Mason Smith, accompanied by Fiji’s High Commissioner to Solomon Islands, H.E.  Jackson Evans, and other Fiji senior officials.

The Fijian delegation briefed the Solomon Islands government on planned relocation, following earlier bilateral discussions back in 2024.

MFAET said the current Commonwealth War Grave site at the Number Three area (near Vara Creek) is facing ongoing encroachment by settlers.

Permanent Secretary Collin Beck paid tribute to Fijian Military personnel who had served in Solomon Islands during the Second World War and to those who were called to duty in Solomon Islands under Commonwealth Flag, RAMSI and SIAF.

Beck expressed regret and disappointment over disrespect for the sanctity of cemetery in Honiara and that illegal settlement is worrying and has now impacted relations between the two Melanesian neighbours and nationals who have loved ones buried on site.

He stated that honouring resting places of our deceased in Honiara is a mark of respect to all who have served and contributed to Solomon Islands past and present.

MFAET said an agreed site for the relocation of the remains of both Fijian servicemen and civilians is currently being considered. 

Meanwhile, the visiting Fiji delegation will be holding consultations with relevant Solomon Islands authorities during the week.

The Permanent Secretary for MFAET wishes the Fijian government delegation a fruitful engagement in the country.

Photo credit: MFAET

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BY SAMIE WAIKORI

Dala village in Sandfly Passage of Central Islands province celebrated their first-ever seaweed harvest, an achievement after almost a year into farming the sea plant gold.

A statement published on the Central Islands Forum (CIP – Ngella, Savo & Russell) page highlighted the challenges faced during the project and the perseverance that led to this success.

“The project began with many struggles. It started as a group initiative, and although there were challenges along the way, the community remained committed.

“The first planting was done in 2025, and today we have successfully completed our first harvest. This is an important milestone for our seaweed farming and processing project,” the statement said.

The community is said to have worked collectively through group and block-to-block planting, supporting one another throughout the process.

“One of the biggest challenges has been community funding, but despite this, the group found ways to overcome the difficulties and move forward.

“While seaweed farming is not new in other provinces, this is the first time our community has undertaken such a project. This achievement shows unity, resilience, and the potential for future development,” the statement said.

While the harvest brings good news for seaweed farmers in Sandfly and other parts of Central Islands province, it also represents a positive achievement for the seaweed industry nationwide.

It also reflects the steady growth of the industry and contributes towards the target of the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources (MFMR) to expand seaweed production to 10,000 metric tonnes by 2026.

To support this goal, the national government through MFMR continues to assist seaweed development across the country by providing training and farming materials to local farmers.

In recent years, significant progress has been recorded with increased seaweed production in several sites in the country, including Wagina in Choiseul province, Lau in Malaita province, Shortland in Western province, Ngella and Russell in Central Islands province, Marau in Guadalcanal province, and other locations nationwide.

MFMR encourages coastal communities to engage in seaweed farming, as it provides an alternative source of income for Solomon Islanders.

Currently, Wagina accounts for nearly 70 percent of the country’s seaweed production, with the remaining 30 percent produced by other provinces in the country.

Photo: Central Islands Forum

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BY JUNELYN KELLY

Urgent repair works for the Tanaeba (Kohi) Bridge and multi-cell culverts on Northwest Guadalcanal Road is set to commence this week.

A statement from the Ministry of Infrastructure Development (MID) on Monday, January 2, said these works are treated as an emergency in response to recent flooding that has impacted the bridge, people, schools and small businesses.

“These works are treated as an emergency in response to recent flooding that inundated the approach roads on both ends of the bridge, disrupting transportation and connectivity for farmers, small businesses, schools and students, and general road users on this sealed road section,” said MID.

The statement said MID’s Transport Infrastructure Management Services Division (TIMSD) with Guadalcanal Provincial Disaster Operations Committee (P-DOC) have carried out an initial assessment and damage scoping following last week’s persistent heavy rain and winds, which have also affected other parts of the country.

MID said now that the flood level has receded, a contractor will be mobilized soon to the site to carry out emergency repair works with the aim to reconnect the bridge.

The ministry said this reinstatement works will also address cell culverts identified during inspection as compromised by floodwaters, which pose long-term safety risks to road users.

“These urgent interventions are part of the government’s response to ensure the safety and resilience of infrastructure critical to the Guadalcanal Provinces’ development and disaster response mechanism,” said MID.

Photo: MID

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