BY MORRIS NAFU

The Royal Solomon Islands police force (RSIPF) will take part in an international special weapons and tactical (SWAT) challenge for the first time.

This international tourney takes place in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) from February 7-11.

Eight officers of RSIPF left the country to participate, a statement by RSIPF yesterday said.

Solomon Islands is also the only South Pacific country to take part.

The UAE SWAT Challenge aims to strengthen cooperation between tactical teams, showcase the latest international practices in rapid response and intervention operations, and measure readiness in dealing with complex and demanding scenarios, the statement said.

Participation in the UAE SWAT Challenge is open to police officers from around the world who can be registered in teams.

The eight RSIPF officers who participated in the SWAT Challenge successfully completed a 40-day specialised training programme at the China-Pacific Island Police Training Centre (CPPTC) in China recently, the statement said.

In June 2025, the China Police Liaison Team (CPLT) to the Solomon Islands assisted the RSIPF in the selection and establishment of the first SWAT team.

CPLT delivered months of intensive training, following a remarkable SWAT capability demonstration inspected by the Honourable Prime Minister of the Solomon Islands and some cabinet members in August 2025 before the Pacific Forum Leaders Meeting in Honiara.

The cross-national training programme was designed to align closely with the competition requirements, focusing on key events such as shooting, obstacle courses, tactical roping down, and assault tactics.

The Solomon Islands SWAT team is led by Acting Deputy Commissioner of Operations, Mr. Simpson Pogeava.

Photos: RSIPF

For feedback, contact: [email protected]

Editor: [email protected]

BY ALICE CAMPBELL

Thirteen Solomon Islanders recently completed a hands-on workshop in Hospitality Drink Preparation Skills, delivered through the Pacific Australia Skills programme.

These professionals are stepping forward with newfound confidence and skills that can open doors to work, small businesses, and future opportunities, a statement by the Australian High Commission yesterday said.

Australian High Commissioner to Solomon Islands, Jeff Roach, acknowledged the importance of training that is practical and responds to the needs of industry, and enhances employability for Solomon Islanders.

“Australian programs are creating jobs and building a skilled workforce in Solomon Islands, focused on long-term economic growth and creating opportunities for young people and women.

“We know that jobs and growth are the top priority for the Solomon Islands Government, which is why we’re so proud to support this work,” he said.

The workshop included real workplace skills, from coffee preparation to non-alcoholic and low-alcohol beverages, equipping participants with experiences they can take straight into cafés, restaurants, hotels, resorts, and events across Solomon Islands, the statement said.

Most of the participants were women, reflecting the important contribution that women are making to the country’s hospitality and tourism sector.

Participant Pat Ella Lomo, a tutor at the Solomon Islands National University’s Tourism and Hospitality Department, said the workshop had enhanced both her technical skills and her confidence as a hospitality professional and trainer.

Ms Lomo said the workshop also highlighted the real potential of hospitality as a career pathway for young Solomon Islanders.

Pacific Australia Skills Country Director for Solomon Islands, Atenasi Ata, said the sessions were designed to reflect real workplace expectations and industry standards.

“Learners are now better prepared to grow in their roles and contribute to further growth and development of the hospitality industry,” Ms Ata said.

The Pacific Australia Skills programme will continue to deliver inclusive, accessible and high-quality skills training workshops, trainings and upskilling opportunities that encourages Solomon Islanders, particularly youth and women and people with disabilities, to participate meaningfully in the workforce.

Photo: AHC

For feedback, contact: [email protected]

Editor: [email protected]

BY LORETTA B MANELE

The government will be paying attention to a number of broad areas in 2026.

Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele gave an outline of the above during his press conference at the Office of the Prime Minister and Cabinet (OPMC) yesterday.

As stated, the areas government will prioritise this year are as follows;

-Maintaining discipline in public financial management, with an emphasis on implementing approved programmes in line with budget provisions and ensuring that public resources are used responsibly and transparently.

– Continuing efforts to support productive and resource sectors, private-sector activity, and labour mobility opportunities, recognising their contributions to the economy, livelihoods, employment, and household incomes.

-Progressing infrastructure and service delivery projects are already underway, including in transport, energy, telecommunications, health, and education including milestone development projects for our 50th independence anniversary.

– Continuing reforms aimed at improving coordination, oversight, and accountability across government institutions, in accordance with the law and established processes.

– In terms of Bills before Parliament, According to Clerk, VAT Bill is now on notice. Thus, 3 Bills on notice now are:

1. SOE [Amendment] Bill 2024

2. Mineral Resources Bill 2025

3. VAT Bill 2025

The Prime Minister mentioned that they are still waiting for the Speaker’s consideration for notice for 2 Bills, namely; the DDA (Dangerous Drugs Act) 2025 and Civil Registration Bill 2025.

He said they will continue to liaise with the Clerk of National Parliament on BLC’s (Bills and Legislation Committee) timing for hearing on the 3 Bills that are already on notice.

The other area the government will work on is fulfilling Solomon Islands’ responsibilities at the regional and international level, particularly as Chair of the Pacific Islands Forum, while safeguarding national interests.

Manele also said the progress will not always be immediate and not every issue can be resolved within a single year.

“The Government’s approach is to work steadily, to prioritise carefully, and to remain responsive to changing circumstances as they arise.

“Public discussion and scrutiny are a normal part of democratic life. The Government recognises the important role of the media in informing the public and remains committed to providing accurate and balanced information.

“As we move through 2026, the Government will continue to engage with Parliament, provincial governments, communities, development partners, and the media as we carry out our responsibilities,” he said.

The Prime Minister said the task before us requires cooperation, patience, and a shared commitment to stability and responsible governance.

For feedback, contact: [email protected]

Editor: [email protected]

BY ALICE CAMPBELL

Ministry of Infrastructure Development’s (MID) Transport Infrastructure Management Services Division (TIMSD) has finalised an action plan to carry out urgent repairs and restoration works starting this week.

This is in response to the severe damage done to Honiara’s key road networks by last week’s bad weather, MID statement yesterday said.

The following road networks have been identified for immediate intervention to ensure ease of movement across the city and road safety.

Road Restoration and Sealing

· Mbokonavera Road: A variation is being expedited to allow a contractor to road sections where previous quantities have been exhausted. This is treated as a high-priority zone.

· Hibiscus Avenue: (the backroad from Townground to Pt. Cruz Hotbread roundabout) urgent relief work will commence this week whilst work to finalize a contract for permanent asphalting is underway.

· Vura Road: Relief work is underway from Vura 1 to Vura 3. It will transition into a permanent sealing project under the 2026 National Transport Fund (NTF) work plan. The Community Access and Urban Services Enhancement Project (CAUSE II) will carry out the full rehabilitation from the Kukum SDA bus stop to the Naha Police Station intersection.  

· Kobito Bridge Repairs—urgent repair works to be carried out, while a full reinstatement project will be carried out under the CAUSE II Project.

Highway Maintenance and Major Arterial

· Honiara Highway Lot 1: A dual strategy is in place. Immediate relief for now while new a contract will provide a permanent fix.

· MID/HCC Pedestrian Crossing: Excavation and concreting has resumed on the section towards the pedestrian crossing and remains ongoing.

· Lekaboli Road (Chiefs Haus-ITA Hardware backroad): Contractor to resume excavation for a common utility trench, which will be immediately followed by road surface works.

· Honiara Highway Lot 2 (Vura to White River): Relief works will continue from Commonwealth Street to the Honiara City Council (HCC) roundabout until this section is fully covered under the Land and Maritime Connectivity Project (LMCP).

Emergency Reconnection and Relief Works

· Tanaeba Bridge (Kohi) reinstatement: This has been classified as critically urgent. A contractor should be mobilized on-site to commence reinstatement works to reconnect the bridge and other multi-cell culverts for Northwest Guadalcanal Road.

· White River to Savo Market repairs: Work is underway to carry out relief works on this high-traffic short strip. Priority will be to address the drainage first, as one challenge is dealing with private properties that blocked the easements.

· Tanakake to Panatina: TIMSD is following up with a contractor to address the deteriorating conditions currently affecting road users for this sealed road stretch.

“All works are urgent interventions.

“We have directed all job managers to fast-track documentation for procurement. While we are pushing for immediate action, we ask for the public’s patience as contractors mobilize to sites now that weather warnings (rain and wind) are cancelled.

“Again, budget remains a challenge; nevertheless, we remain committed to maintaining Honiara’s key road networks for ease of movement, connectivity, flow of business and road safety,” the statement said.

All other road improvement projects funded under the government’s development budget for this year (both Honiara and provinces) will be announced shortly.

Photo: MID

For feedback, contact: [email protected]

Editor: [email protected]

BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

Decentralising constituency administration ensures development remains transparent, responsive, and aligned with the needs of rural communities.

Member of Parliament for Gizo-Kolombangara, JimsonTanangada said this during the official opening Gizo-Kolombangara Constituency (GKC) offices on December 22 – 28 in Ringgi on Kolombangara Island.

Ministry of Rural Development (MRD) issued a statement on January 31 which said that this milestone marks a significant step towards strengthening administration; governance, expanding access to essential services for rural people, improving service delivery and ensuring sustainable development within the constituency.

Tanangada affirmed that decentralising constituency administration ensures development remains transparent, responsive, and aligned with the needs of rural communities.

“These facilities aim to ensure more efficient and effective engagement with constituents and better support for community development initiatives,” he said.

Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Rural Development, John Misite’e, acknowledges the effort by MP Tanandaga and his constituency for the milestone achievement, and for taking the lead in establishing offices in the constituency.

He said that such strategic initiative signals a strong commitment by GKC to strengthen administration, governance; bringing services closer to the people.

He further highlighted that the offices will be manned by constituency officers and will serve multiple purposes, including:

• Organizing and managing constituency development programs
• Coordinating community projects and support services
• Providing consultation spaces for community leaders, farmers, fishermen, women, youth groups, and private sector representatives
• Facilitating access to development information, funding opportunities, and government programs
• Supporting capacity building, training, and skills development
• Acting as a hub for support in agriculture, fisheries, forestry, and business sectors.

The MRD statement said the establishment of the Constituency Development Offices is a mandatory requirement under Section 9 of the CDF Act 2023.

The opening ceremony was attended by Western Provincial Government representatives, community members, constituents and stakeholders who expressed their support and optimism for the positive impact these offices will have on the constituency.

Photo: Supplied

For feedback, contact: [email protected]

Editor: [email protected]

BY LORETTA B MANELE

Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele representing Solomon Islands as Chair of the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) attended the PIF Troika meeting in Brisbane late last month.

Speaking to local media during his first press conference for 2026 yesterday, he said the Troika meeting brought together the current, incoming, and outgoing Forum Chairs and provided an opportunity for leaders to take stock of regional matters following the 54th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders’ Meeting held in Honiara last year.

Manele said discussions were focused on the Review of the Regional Architecture (RRA) and the PIF leaders’ communique.

The RRA is an ongoing process that was initiated by PIF leaders back in 2019 to restructure regional institutions, particularly Council of Regional Organisations of the Pacific (CROP) agencies so as to deliver on 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent.

Manele said as PIF Chair, Solomon Islands emphasised on the importance of unity, dialogue, and consensus within the Forum, particularly at a time when the region continues to face shared challenges, including climate impacts, economic pressures, and evolving geopolitical dynamics.

“This engagement reflects Solomon Islands’ ongoing responsibility as Forum Chair and our role in contributing to collective Pacific leadership, while remaining mindful of our national priorities and circumstances,” he said.

For feedback, contact: [email protected]

Editor: [email protected]