[Published on Friday, March 6, 2026]

BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

The Director of the Civil Aviation Authority of Solomon Islands (CAASI) has warned that vulnerable entry points within the aviation system could facilitate the smuggling of dangerous drugs into the country, despite existing security measures.

Brian Halisanau made the statement when appearing before the Bills and Legislation Committee (BLC) during its inquiry into the Dangerous Drugs Amendment Bill 2025 last month.

Mr Halisanau said while civil aviation service providers are responsible for preventing dangerous articles including illicit drugs from being introduced onto aircraft, there remain gaps that could be exploited.

“The current amendment concerns the introduction of dangerous drugs into the country. For civil aviation, threats are mitigated through entry point security control measures of neighbouring states. However, vulnerable points can also facilitate entry,” he said.

He identified insider threats, limited surveillance of general aviation, and intermodal transport as areas of concern.

He said that general aviation private and non-commercial flights poses monitoring challenges, particularly when aircrafts enter from remote locations.

He also highlighted scenarios where individuals may enter Solomon Islands by outboard motorboat or yacht before using domestic flights to transport drugs to Honiara.

“These are areas where we recognise there is room for improvement,” Mr Halisanau said.

He said there is need to strengthen airline agent capacity at outer airports to ensure baseline security screening measures are effectively implemented.

According to Mr Halisanau, standard aviation security measures include the screening of passengers, cabin baggage, checked baggage and cargo for commercial aircraft both departing and arriving in Solomon Islands.

“The screening of persons, their cabin baggage, hold baggage as well as cargo are fundamental measures that are adopted,” he said.

He said that CAASI also supports increasing penalties under the proposed amendment, saying tougher punishment would act as a deterrent to smugglers and others involved in drug-related offences.

“It will serve as a strong deterrent for the public and smugglers, controlling behaviours that threaten Solomon Islands society,” he said.

However, he said that enforcement alone is not sufficient.

“CAASI is advocating for a mix of screening methods that specifically target drug detection, as well as strengthened joint intelligence systems among relevant authorities,” he said.

Mr Halisanau said that such procedures are already provided for under the Solomon Islands National Civil Aviation Security Programme, which brings together stakeholders responsible for aviation security.

He said continued coordination and system improvements would be critical to prevent aviation channels from being exploited for drug trafficking.

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[Published on Friday, March 6, 2026]

BY MORRIS NAFU

A significant portion of the environmental damage in Bloody Ridge National Historical Park in East Honiara is said to have been caused by excess illegal access roads, according to the park’s 2025 Annual Report released earlier this week.

The report highlights a growing crisis where unauthorized routes are facilitating littering, ecological disturbances, and heavy vehicle usage that has led to severe road erosion.

Beyond the environmental toll, these illegal paths have created safety risks for visitors and placed an additional operational strain on park rangers tasked with enforcement.

In response to the degradation, the Ministry responsible for the park implemented a series of measures designed to manage access while attempting to maintain community stability.

These actions included the introduction of resident vehicle permits, targeted awareness campaigns, and the gradual closure of specific illegal routes.

While these steps were deemed necessary to protect the ecological integrity of the park, the report acknowledges that the enforcement measures occasionally resulted in community tensions and security incidents.

A significant complication identified in the report is the logistical challenge of identifying alternative access routes for surrounding communities when illegal roads are closed.

In many instances, the proposed alternative roads are located outside the official park boundaries.

This creates a jurisdictional hurdle. Because these alternative routes fall under the responsibility of other ministries responsible for road planning and infrastructure, the Ministry of Culture and Tourism (MCT) faces difficulties justifying involvement under existing government procurement systems.

Specifically, it is difficult for the ministry to utilize park resources for infrastructure works that extend beyond the park boundary.

Despite these involved constraints, the park team was compelled to dedicate substantial time, funding, and operational resources toward facilitating or constructing alternative access routes.

These interventions were deemed essential to reduce community backlash and allow enforcement measures to proceed safely.

However, the financial cost has been significant. The diversion of funds to build or facilitate roads outside the park has placed additional pressure on the park’s limited budget.

The report further noted that spending has diverted money that was originally intended for core conservation and development activities within the Bloody Ridge National Historical Park.

As the Ministry continues to balance the need for environmental protection with the infrastructure needs of the surrounding communities, the tension between conservation goals and community access remains a critical challenge for the park’s future management.

Bloody Ridge battlefield is a site of iconic status receiving worldwide recognition.

It is sometimes referred to as the turning point of WWII in the Pacific.

In recognition of its historical importance Bloody Ridge was declared a national park in 2017.

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[Published on Friday, March 6, 2026]

BY ALICE T CAMPBELL

The Chairman of the School Bus Management Committee for Honiara City Council (HCC) Mr George Kiriau sincerely apologizes to students and parents for the disruption of school bus services earlier on yesterday.

In a statement from HCC on Wednesday this week, Kiriau said that due to an operational oversight, two of the council’s school buses were unable to operate on Wednesday morning.

The issue was promptly addressed, and by the afternoon, all four buses had resumed their normal services.

HCC said measures are being put in place to improve coordination, supervision, and service delivery.

Also stated is that permanent bus drivers and conductors have been recruited and officially assumed duties yesterday.

“They are currently undergoing on the job training to ensure reliable and efficient service for all students,” HCC said.

Kiriau stressed that the management committee is taking this matter seriously and is committed to strengthening its operations to prevent similar disruptions in the future.

He also acknowledged the concerns raised by the general public, especially parents, regarding the inconvenience caused.

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[Published on Friday, March 6, 2026]

By RODRICK DESURI 

Auki 

The son of the former MPA for West Fataleka and Premier of Malaita Province, the late Daniel Suidani, will be contesting the West Fataleka seat, Ward 5, Malaita Province. 

Norman Suidani is among the candidates contesting for the West Fataleka seat after his late father, Daniel Suidani, passed away last year after battling a long illness at the national referral hospital in Honiara. 

During an interview with the paper yesterday, Malaita Provincial Election Manager, Peter Herehura said the young contestant is smart and believes in himself to compete with the other five candidates. 

He said that Norman Suidani was also the first candidate to be registered in the first week of the nomination period. 

He said that the election will be interesting as one contestant, Dick Futaimalau, is a former Member of the Provincial Assembly for Ward 5.

He said six candidates who have officially been nominated before the closing of the nomination at 4 PM on Thursday include Norman Suidani, Dick Futaimalau, Polycarp Erekwato, Stephen Irofoa, Robinson Ratu, and Ronnie Hendry.

“On Monday, the 9th, we will have the ballot paper draw in front of the Assembly house, which is open to the public and representatives from each candidate to witness,” he said.

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