BY JOHN HOUANIHAU
The Guadalcanal Province (GP) Disaster Operation Committee (PDOC) has been activated to coordinate responses to disaster reports across Guadalcanal.
A statement issued by the GP Media on Wednesday this week said that the joint teams from Guadalcanal Province and the Ministry of Infrastructure Development are on the ground.
The statement said that the teams are at Tanaeba (Kohi Bridge) in Sahalu Ward, North-West Guadalcanal, Sahalu & Savulei Wards and Eastern Guadalcanal.
The GP further said that the team are conducting Initial Situation Overviews (ISO) of bridges, schools, clinics, and other facilities to guide urgent response actions.
The GPG Conference Room is now the PDOC Operations Centre.
“If your community is affected, please report directly to: Mr Henrick Savusi 7732369 or [email protected] (Guadalcanal Provincial Disaster Officer). Mr Joseph Sua – 7806893 | [email protected] (GPG – Deputy Provincial Secretary).
“Let’s work together to ensure a swift and coordinated response for the safety of our people. Please listen to SIBC News for more weather updates. Be safe and limit your travelling plans,” the GP urged.
Earlier this week, the Kohi Bridge in Sahalu Ward, North-West Guadalcanal, was destroyed this evening after heavy rainfall and flooding during the wet season, cutting a vital transport link that connects the Northwest and West Guadalcanal constituencies to Honiara, the capital city.
The Guadalcanal Provincial Government Works Division, with the Ministry of Infrastructure Development, will be on site to assess the damage this week.

BY JUNELYN KELLY
Acting Commissioner of the Royal Solomon Island Police Force (RSIPF) Mathias Lenialu has called on any victim of the alleged police misconduct at Gold Ridge to come forward with evidence and report it to the Professional Standards Internal Investigation Department (PSII).
The call came after allegations were levelled against police for heavy-handedness that triggered the unrest at GRML recently, a police statement yesterday said.
The place to report those allegations against police officers is at PSII located at Central Police Station, the statement said.
“Report it so that further investigation is conducted for a proper decision to be made to deal with any officers involved.
“Reporting such to the media is a democratic right of an individual, but it will be more helpful for those victims to come forward and make a formal complaint to PSII,” the police statement said.
Acting Commissioner Lenialu said the RSIPF is a neutral, transparent, and disciplined organisation that always upholds its core values to keep its integrity when making decisions on such allegations.
“This commitment to integrity ensures that the RSIPF maintains community trust and confidence. By prioritising accountability and fairness, the organisation aims to foster a safer environment for our people through its services,” Mr Lenialu said.

BY JUNELYN KELLY
The East Rennell community based in Honiara have expressed overwhelming support for the government’s proposal to construct a second airport on Rennell.

There are currently two airports in Rennell and Bellona province (Renbel); one on Bellona and one on Rennell. The one on Rennell is situated in Tigoa, West Rennell.

The new airport is proposed to be on a site near Lake Tengano, East Rennell.

The strong endorsement by the Honiara-based East Rennell community came about during a well-attended awareness meeting at Mamanawata settlement at the Mataniko river delta on Sunday, January 11.

Attendees include representatives from the Renbel constituency and the new executive of Renbel Premier Eric Saueha who co-chaired the event alongside traditional leadership represented by Chief Newman Tegheta.

Spokesperson Jimmy Temoa said, “A key outcome of the meeting was the recommendation to form a taskforce comprising local landowners to collaborate with officials from Aviation and the Ministry of Infrastructure Development (MID) on a crucial feasibility study.

“Participants from various tribes and villages around Lake Tegano signed up to signify their full support for the government’s development plan.

“Meanwhile the government has reportedly allocated $600,000 in its development budget to cover the costs associated with the feasibility study and other initial groundwork for the proposed airport,” Temoa said.

Late last year Minister for Communication and Aviation and deputy prime minister, Fredrick Kologeto told parliament that an airport will be built in East Rennell.

BY MORRIS NAFU
Betel nut prices in Honiara have skyrocketed in recent weeks, driven by adverse weather conditions that have disrupted supply chains from the provinces and rural areas.
The sharp increase has raised alarms among consumers who rely on the commodity for daily chewing and as a vital income source for many families.
The price hike, which began two weeks ago, has seen betel nut prices rise significantly from their usual range of $1 to $3 per fruit.
Market vendors report that individual fruits now cost between $7 and $8, with bulk purchases also affected.
For instance, a 10kg bag is selling for $700 to $800, while a 20kg bag can fetch up to $1,500 or more, according to suppliers at key markets like Maromaro and other betel nut hubs in town.
“With the season when betel nut is usually produced at low levels, compounded by the current bad weather, we’re running out of supplies from communities around Guadalcanal and other provinces,” said one market vendor.
“Only a few lucky buyers are getting bags at these inflated prices.”
The ongoing weather disruptions have tightened the market, making betel nut harder to come by.
For many Honiara residents, the fruit is more than a habit it’s a cultural staple chewed by people of all ages and a key source of income for low-income households.
However, the price increase is straining budgets, making it increasingly difficult for families to afford their usual supply.
Island Sun understand that resellers in outlying areas are worsening the issue by marking up prices even further reaching $10 per betel nut and fruit leave (dami).

-Police report 2 deaths due to ongoing bad weather
-1 death in Noro, 1 in Honiara. Investigations launched

BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

Two deaths have been reported with causes linked to the ongoing bad weather lashing the country.
One man died following a tragic weather-related incident in Noro, Western Province, on the afternoon of Tuesday, January 27, a police statement said yesterday [Jan 28]. Police say they are investigating this incident.
And, last night police called of its search and rescue operation after the body of the missing man was found along the Henderson seaside.
Police said the Noro incident occurred at around 2pm when a large tree collapsed onto a leaf-built residential dwelling during heavy rains and strong winds lashing the area.
Police add that the adult male occupant of the house sustained serious injuries as a result of the incident.
Emergency responders were quickly dispatched to the scene, and the victim was transported to Helena Goldie Hospital for medical treatment.
Despite efforts by medical personnel, he was later pronounced dead, police said.
Police said in the statement that investigations are currently underway, with officers from Noro and Munda working together to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident.
According to the report, initial assessments suggest the death was linked to the extreme weather conditions experienced at the time.
Meanwhile, police last night reported the death of a man who had earlier been reported missing.
The body was located at the Henderson seaside and police were called in to retrieve it to the morgue, a police statement last night said.
Later family members were called in and identified the body as that of the late Ishmael Fiusilia, the police statement said.
Police had launched a search operation following a report of a missing person believed to have been washed away while attempting to cross the Lunga River near the Crusher Area, the statement said.
“Police are urging members of the public to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions during periods of bad weather, particularly in areas where large trees and unstable structures may pose a risk.”
The Royal Solomon Islands Police Force, meanwhile, extends its deepest condolences to the family, relatives, and community affected by the tragic incidents during this difficult time.

BY SYLVANA TEKUMAHA

The North Guadalcanal Constituency (NGC) office, under the leadership of their Member of Parliament Dr Paul Popora Bosawai, handed hardware and building materials to 15 schools last Friday.
The support, worth $190,000, is part of the $3.2 million allocated under the 2025 Constituency Development Funds (CDF) budget for NGC, under the Preferred Supplier Arrangement (PSA) component, a statement by the Ministry of Rural Development (MRD) yesterday said.
“Education remains one of the top priorities for our constituency,” Mr Bosawai said.
This assistance demonstrates NGC’s ongoing commitment to education development and improving learning environments for both students and staff.
“This support underscores our confidence that education is the foundation for a brighter future. A path to success is through education. Education provides us with opportunities to prosper and excel. So, we are investing in the future.
“We are committed to working alongside schools to ensure students have the resources and opportunities they need to succeed, ” he said.
Bosawai also said that the transformative power of education is the most effective means to eliminate poverty.
“Education is the key to unlocking opportunities and lifting communities out of poverty. It is the foundation upon which individuals can build better lives, secure sustainable employment, and contribute meaningfully to national development,” he said.
Meanwhile, school leaders from Pitukoli Community High School, and Navola Primary School expressed profound gratitude to the NGC office for the generous assistance.
They said that the support will help schools in their development programs—particularly in building classrooms, staff houses, and other essential school infrastructure to provide a more conducive learning environment and space for students.
Bosowai reaffirmed his dedication to education development, emphasising it remains one of the top priorities for the constituency with its importance to ensure there is quality of education.
The recipient schools are: Pitukoli RTC, Pitukoli Community High School, Sali Kindy and Primary, Binu Primary School, Nguvia Primary School, Suagi Catholic Primary School, Suagi Anglican Primary School, Nguvia Eden Private School, Nguvia Community High School, Tenavatu Community High School, Navola Kindy ECE School, Vutu Kindy School, Ghaobata Community High School, Tumurora Community High School, and Sir Jacob Memorial School.

BY JOHN HOUANIHAU
The Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) says it always upholds its core values when making decisions on allegations against its officers.
RSIPF was responding to allegations that police officers providing security at the Gold Ridge mining site were alleged to be involved in stealing gold ore.
A few officers are accused of collecting high-grade mineral soil in bags of rice and later panning the soil for gold and selling it for personal gain after their shifts.
In a response issued to Island Sun on Tuesday this week, the RSIPF Media Unit said that the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) is a neutral, transparent, and disciplined organisation that always upholds its core values to keep its integrity when making decisions on such allegations.
“This commitment to integrity ensures that the RSIPF maintains community trust and confidence. By prioritising accountability and fairness, the organisation aims to foster a safer environment for our people through its services,” the RSIPF Media Unit said.
The RSIPF Media also called on landowners who come across the unlawful action from its officers to reach out to the Police and report such behaviour to the Police.
“To address the concerns of Land Owners (LOs), the RSIPF is urging these individuals to come forward and report the issue to the Professional Standards Internal Investigation (PSII) Department of the RSIPF.”
The RSIPF Media further said that this proactive approach not only empowers landowners but also reinforces the RSIPF’s dedication to transparency and fairness in dealing with such allegations.
Following the allegation few of the officers were suspended following a collaborative investigation involving NCID officers and personnel on the ground, adding that the matter was treated with urgency due to its seriousness.
A senior source within the RSIPF National Criminal Investigation Department (NCID) confirmed this to this paper on Tuesday this week.

BY JUNELYN KELLY
A greater diversity of voices is needed in Solomons politics, British High Commissioner HE Paul Turner has said.
Mr Turner uttered this in his keynote at an event organised by the Westminster Foundation for Democracy (WFD).
The WFD workshop debated the barriers to women participating in politics in Solomons.
Minister for Gender & Youth, Kathy Nori and Leader of the Opposition, Matthew Wale joined Turner on a high-level panel to discuss the financial and cultural barriers to women’s participation in politics.
Also on the panel were Chief Election Officer, Jasper Highwood and Dr Alice Pollard who gave a very personal account of her struggles standing as an electoral candidate and the disappointments that followed in losing elections.
Turner said that across the world, diverse voices strengthened democracies and in the case of Solomons this meant a far greater number of women needed to be elected in national and provincial assemblies.
He said that since independence in 1978, only eight women in total had ever been elected to the national parliament in Solomons, one of the lowest anywhere in the world.
Turner highlighted recent research by WFD which showed how financial constraints limit women candidates.
Campaigning required significant resources and women were less likely to have access to personal income, land and financial assets.
He said more targeted financial support needed to be provided to women candidates and called for greater transparency of campaign financing and more equitable allocation of resources to level the playing field.
Minister Nori outlined the challenges she had experienced in securing a Parliamentary seat.
She said that women needed to overcome local expectation that they should be family based and focused on being the providers rather than the leaders of their communities.
This shift in mindset had to happen across the Solomons for women to have a chance of reaching their political aspirations but many were put off by the struggle.
Opposition Leader Wale underlined the importance of woman using their local Kastom and cultural networks to garner support and build up local recognition.
He accepted this was more difficult for women and urged potential women candidates to join political parties so they could draw on the experience and resources that parties can offer.
He said the problem with parties having reserved quotas for women candidates is that many women did not want to join political parties and opted instead to be independent candidates.
The panel agreed that a greater number of women in national and provincial assemblies would mean greater focus on important sectors such as health, education as well as community stability.
Turner underlined his personal experience from working in Northern Ireland and the Balkans in the 1990s and 2000s.
He said it had been locally organised women’s groups that had been instrumental in reaching out across divided communities in Sarajevo and Belfast, organising political groupings to work for long term peace.

BY SAMIE WAIKORI
Opposition Leader Matthew Wale wishes the Government for National Unity and Transformation (GNUT) well in the implementation the 2026 National Budget.
Wale made the remarks in a recent interview with Insight, reflecting on statements made by Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele last year, in which the Prime Minister said 2026 would be a more disciplined year in terms of budget implementation.
Prime Minister Manele also assured Solomon Islanders of a new direction, saying the government will work to better align the budget with its priorities.
Wale welcomed the Prime Minister’s sentiments, saying that regardless of political differences, all Solomon Islanders want to see the government succeed.
“These are good sentiments. There is a desire for a clear direction in implementing the budget to meet the priorities that have been set,” he said.
The Opposition Leader said what he expects from the government is to maximise revenue collection and ensure spending is confined to what has been legally appropriated and prioritised.
However, Wale pointed out that the 2026 budget remains a deficit budget, only slightly reduced compared to two years ago.
“We’ve had four or five years of deficit budgets going back, and that’s the first problem,” he said.
“If revenue does not perform and the government fails to collect enough, the budget is made on the assumption that the government will borrow.”
Wale noted that borrowing is not guaranteed and depends on lenders agreeing to provide funds.
He said delays or failure in borrowing would directly affect budget implementation.
“In those situations, ministries could end up sitting idle or cutting back on what they originally planned, meaning development services cannot be delivered,” he said.
Instead, ministries are forced to focus on recurrent expenditure such as salaries and office expenses.
“I think the credibility of the budget hangs on whether funds will actually be available to implement it. Revenue is one, and borrowing is the other,” Wale said.
He wished the government well, expressing hope that it will secure sufficient revenue and spend it wisely.