BY MORRIS NAFU

The illegal drug Methamphetamine (Meth) has been reported in Kirakira, with rising concerns over its spread to the provinces.
Makira-Ulawa Provincial Secretary Christopher Waiwori issued a strong call yesterday [Jan 28] for Government and Border Security authorities in Honiara to implement enhanced measures for detecting illegal drugs in all personal items and belongings of traveling passengers, whether at wharves or airports.
This appeal comes in the wake of recent reports highlighting illegal drug activities in the province, particularly in Kirakira town.
Waiwori described the situation as a “wake-up call” for the Provincial Government, law-enforcement agencies, and the general public across Kirakira and the broader Makira Ulawa Province.
Waiwori in a statement yesterday confirmed credible reports and growing concerns that illegal drugs, including methamphetamine commonly known as Meth or “Ice” are now circulating within Kirakira.
Claims suggest that some of these substances are being mixed or concealed in everyday consumer products, such as Colgate toothpaste and other items.
“This situation poses a grave threat to public safety, health, and social order, particularly to our youth, students, and vulnerable members of our communities,” Waiwori warned.
He emphasized that possession of illegal drugs is a criminal offense, reminding the public that anyone found possessing, supplying, distributing, manufacturing or preparing to manufacture methamphetamine without a lawful license will face prosecution under the Dangerous Drugs Act (Cap. 98) and the Pharmacy and Poisons Act (Cap. 105).
Waiwori noted that Kirakira Police intensified operations last week, leading to the arrest of several suspected youths.
Investigations have revealed that the illegal drugs are being transported from Honiara to Kirakira, raising fears that the substances may have already spread to other communities within Makira Ulawa.
In response, the Makira Ulawa Provincial Government in collaboration with the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) in Kirakira, plans to introduce strict measures to address, manage, and control the further spread of these illegal drugs in the province.
Waiwori also highlighted that marijuana usage remains an ongoing issue, with the RSIPF Makira set to conduct surprise spot checks in and around Kirakira to curb this activity.
“Addressing this illegal drug issue requires not only strengthening coordination with the Kirakira Police and law enforcement agencies, but also the cooperation of everyone from households to communities through awareness and prevention measures and most importantly, support for enforcement and intelligence gathering initiatives,” Waiwori said.
The provincial authorities are urging the public to report any suspicious activities to help combat this growing threat.

By RODRICK DESURI
Auki
Heavy rains and strong winds have left sick patients and their carers scrambling for shelter at the Kiluufi hospital yesterday [Jan 28].
Patients and guardians were queueing at the outpatient department to submit their cards and wait for their medical treatment when nature unleashed torrential rains and strong winds, reports reaching Island Sun said.
Herlison Aubongi, who was at the scene yesterday, described the incident as ‘quite chaotic’ as the sick patients, their carers and members of public frantically searched for any place within the hospital to take shelter.
He said when the heavy rain and strong winds struck, the people were moved all over the wards searching for a space to hide in the hospital.
“Here, the patients are worrying and suffering. To make it worse, strong winds with the rain struck them when they were queuing at the outpatient,” he said.
Solomon Islands has been placed under Orange Alert by the weather authorities as heavy rains and strong winds continue to be updated every day.
An active trough lies just south of the Solomon Islands and is linked to a tropical low located east of Vanuatu, the Meteorological Service (SIMS) said.
SIMS said westerly winds are expected to reach 20 to 25 knots, with gusts up to 30 knots over all waters of the Solomon Islands.
Warnings are also announced for potential floods and rough seas.

BY SYLVANA TEKUMAHA

Solomon Airlines Chairman Frank Wickham has announced the appointment of Matthew Findlay as the airline’s new Chief Executive Officer (CEO).

A Solomon Airlines statement yesterday [Jan 28] said Mr Findlay will commence duty on February 16, prior to that Solomon Airlines and Findlay will attend to all final regulatory requirements of The Civil Aviation Authority of Solomon Islands (CAASI).

“Matthew’s extensive experience and exposure to the challenges of Pacific aviation will enable Solomon Airlines under his leadership, to further solidify our operational aspirations and to realise enhanced growth opportunities,” Wickham said.

Solomon Airlines Interim CEO Paul Abbot welcomed Mr Findlay, describing his appointment as ideal to support the national carrier to release its potential and continue its strategy to connect the Solomon Islands to countries throughout the Pacific region and beyond.

There will be a transition in the executive leadership in 2025 with the appointment of Abbot as Interim CEO for a 6-month period during which time Solomon Airlines conducted an executive search for a permanent candidate for CEO.

Wickham thanked Abbot for his support and commitment to Solomon Airlines as Interim CEO for the past 7 months, during a particularly difficult era for the national airline, and wished him well in the future.

Findlay said, “It’s an exciting time for Solomon Airlines and for Solomon Islands as the company navigates current challenges in some markets, and explores vast potential in others, to support the nation in diversifying its economy.”

“The Solomon Islands and the broader Pacific region offer much untapped potential for tourism, trade and air connectivity between nations and larger global markets,” he said.

As he steps into the role of Chief Executive Officer at Solomon Airlines, Findlay leaves behind a successful aviation consulting business, highly regarded by national, state and territory tourism, airport and airline stakeholders.

He served clients across Australia, New Zealand, and the Pacific, Findlay brings a wealth of industry respect and a proven track record of fostering strong professional relationships throughout the Pacific region.

Outside of the aviation industry, he will resign his role as Club Secretary for Nelson Bay Junior Rugby Union Club, but remains a keen rugby follower and hopes to make a contribution to the sport in the Solomons.

Findlay’s wife Shelley and three teenage children will often join him upon his relocation to Honiara.

The appointment comes after a rigorous shortlisting and selection process including consultation with the Ministry of Finance and Treasury. Findlay has an extensive career in the aviation industry in Oceania, Europe and North America.

Abbot will assist through a transition period to the new CEO.

BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

Government, through the Ministry of Public Service (MPS), has described the report concerning Solomon Kalu and the position of Director-General of the Solomon Islands Independent Commission Against Corruption (SIICAC) as inaccurate and misleading.
The Ministry said that no appointment was ever made, saying Mr Kalu was never appointed to the position of Director-General of SIICAC and that there was no rejection of an appointment, as has been ‘widely and incorrectly reported’.
MPS said that while Kalu was recommended by an interview panel, the Judicial and Legal Service Commission (JLSC) ultimately determined that he should not have been shortlisted or considered for appointment.
MPS said that the process, therefore, concluded before any appointment arose.
MPS adds that the JLSC is an independent constitutional commission established under section 117 of the Constitution of Solomon Islands and exercises its powers under section 118 of the Constitution.
Following its deliberations, the Commission formed the view that, in light of relevant considerations, Kalu was unsuitable for appointment as a public officer, and that the post should be re-advertised.
MPS said that this was a collective decision of the JLSC, made independently and based on its own assessment.
The public commentary has incorrectly suggested that the Attorney-General rejected or directed the outcome of the JLSC process, which is factually and constitutionally incorrect, the MPS statement said.
The MPS said that the Attorney-General did not make, direct, or influence that decision, nor did he advise that Kalu be removed from the shortlisting.
The statement said that AG’s role was limited to providing legal advice on whether past conduct was a relevant consideration, advice originally sought during a separate Leadership Code Commission selection process and later treated as relevant by the JLSC in its own deliberations.
MPS said that the advice was advisory only, formed part of the material available to decision-makers, and did not bind the Commission or determine the outcome, as the final decision rested solely with the JLSC.
The Ministry emphasises that constitutional commissions operate free from political or ministerial control and that their decisions are made on merit, in accordance with the law, and are not directed by any individual member, including the Attorney-General.
Mischaracterising lawful advisory processes as personal or political decisions risks undermining public confidence in constitutional governance, the Ministry said.
The Ministry is concerned that inaccurate and incomplete reporting has led to unwarranted personal attacks against the Attorney-General, as such commentary risks undermining public confidence in constitutional governance and the independence of national institutions.
The Ministry urges media organisations and commentators to report responsibly and accurately on matters involving constitutional bodies and public office holders.
On Monday this week Solomon Star reported that the Attorney General had advised the Judicial and Legal Service Commission (JLSC) to reject a recommendation by an independent panel for Mr Kalu to be appointed Director General of SIICAC.
The report said the Attorney General had used the reason that Kalu had not complied with the previous government’s (DCGA) ‘No jab, no job’ policy which was activated during the covid-19 era to force public servants to be vaccinated.
This policy was cancelled by DCGA on December 31, 2023.
The independent panel had interviewed applicants for the SIICAC Director General position.
Three people were interviewed – Kalu, former Director General John Kouni and former Law Reform Commission Chairman Frank Paulsen.
The panel comprised of the Ombudsman Fred Fakarii, Judicial and Legal Service Commission (JLSC) member Dr Patricia Rodie, and Law Reform Commission Chairman Philip Kanairara.
Transparency Solomon Islands and the Council of Trade Unions have criticised government over this matter, questioning the legality and rationale behind the usage of a defunct government policy to block Kalu’s appointment for the job.
SIICAC has remained without a Director General since the expiry of John Kouni’s contract in April last year.

BY BEN BILUA
Gizo
ONGOING bad weather conditions have forced schools in Gizo to postpone the official opening of the 2026 academic year.
Gizo primary and secondary schools were scheduled to begin classes this week; however, persistent bad weather has disrupted preparations and delayed the start of lessons.
Principal of Gizo Secondary School, Richard Hiva said school registration was supposed to be completed last week, but only a few parents were able to turn up due to the unfavourable weather.
He said late registration will continue throughout this week to allow other parents the opportunity to register their children.
“Like many schools in Western Province, the ongoing bad weather continues to disturb our academic year.
“We hope the weather will get better in the coming days,” Hiva said.
He said classes are now expected to begin next week and urged students to make every effort to attend school from Monday.
Hiva also called on teachers to report to their schools as soon as possible to ensure a smooth start to the academic year once weather conditions improve.

BY SYLVANA TEKUMAHA

Kohi Bridge in Sahalu Ward in North-West Guadalcanal was destroyed on Tuesday [Jan 27] following heavy rainfall and flooding.

The damage has cut off a vital transport route that connects the Northwest and West Guadalcanal constituencies to Honiara.

The heavy rain and flooding is due to the ongoing bad weather experienced across the country.

Since schools have commenced for the year, students from Visale and Selwyn College will be affected since the bridge connects these institutions to Honiara.

The disruption has affected daily traveling, making it difficult for farmers and fishermen from West Guadalcanal and Savo to transport their products to the market places.

Moreover, since West Guadalcanal has various schools and several religious centres, it can also affect church activities, visitation to these centres and they may seek costly alternative routes.

According to a Guadalcanal Provincial Government press statement, they said that they will work alongside the Ministry of Infrastructure Development this week to assess the damage.

The Kohi Bridge is prone to flooding, this is the 3rd time for the bridge to be partially destroyed.

Kohi is situated 38 kilometres from Honiara and 10 kilometres from Selwyn College.

According to the Solomon Islands Meteorology Service (SIMS) strong wind and heavy rain warning for all provinces still continues.

BY BEN BILUA
Gizo
FORMER Education Officer of Western Province has called on both the provincial and national governments to urgently provide alternative pathways for students who have dropped out of the formal education system.
Western Provincial Member of the Provincial Assembly (MPA) for Ward 10, Freedom Tozaka, said the Government, through the Ministry of Education and Human Resources Development (MEHRD), must establish more Rural Training Centres (RTCs) across the country to provide second-chance opportunities for school dropouts.
He said education challenges facing the country require a collective approach involving the Ministry of Education, provincial governments, development partners, non-government organisations (NGOs) and local communities.
Tozaka said these stakeholders must work together to create supportive learning environments for students, starting from school readiness programmes through to retention incentives that encourage students to complete their education.
He said there is a great need to increase the number of senior secondary schools and vocational education placements, particularly in rural provinces, to ensure more students can continue their education instead of being forced out due to limited spaces.
“Reducing school dropouts is not just an education issue but a national development priority.
“High dropout rates are linked to broader social challenges including unemployment, youth disenfranchisement and slowed economic growth.
“Without urgent and sustained action, our country risks leaving a large segment of its young population without the skills and opportunities needed to contribute meaningfully to society,” Tozaka said.
He said it is time for the government to rewrite and strengthen education policies that promote student retention and completion, encourage gender equality in education, and lay a strong foundation for a prosperous future.
Island Sun understands that Solomon Islands is facing a serious education challenge, with a high number of students leaving school each year due to a severe shortage of available spaces at key education levels.
This year alone, an estimated 1,592 Year Nine students were unable to progress to Year 10, while 3,703 Form Six students failed to secure places in Form Seven.
In 2025, a staggering 4,126 Form-Three students, 3,486 Form Five students and 4,400 students were forced out of the education system highlighting the widening gap between available school placements and the growing number of students seeking education.

BY MORRIS NAFU

The Orange Alert warning continues for Solomon Islands as bad weather takes its toll in communities around the country.
Strong wind and heavy rain warning was issued by the Solomon Islands Meteorological Service (SIMS) is active for all waters across the Solomon Islands yesterday [Jan 28].
SIMS says the current bad weather condition remains unchanged across the country, with intermittent breaks.
Statement confirmed an active trough lies just south of the Solomon Islands, linking to a tropical low located east of Vanuatu.
Westerly winds are expected to reach 20 to 25 knots, with gusts up to 30 knots over all waters.
Seas will be moderate to rough, accompanied by moderate south to southwest swells measuring 2.5 to 3.5 metres.
Poor visibility is anticipated in showers and thunderstorm areas.
Residents and travellers are urged to take precautionary measures, as these strong winds could impact lives and properties.
Sea travellers are urge to consider safety actions, as the winds may produce dangerous wave conditions hazardous to small boats.
The warning also highlights associated clouds and heavy rain with thunderstorms expected to affect all provinces.
Such heavy rain may lead to possible landslides and flash flooding in communities near hill slopes, large rivers, streams, and low-lying areas.
People are strongly advised to take safety measures to avoid danger and loss of lives.
The service emphasises sharing this information with people with disabilities to ensure everyone is informed and prepared.

BY SAMIE WAIKORI
Leader of the parliamentary opposition group, Matthew Wale, says political instability is unfair to the people of Solomon Islands, as it affects government from delivering on the expectations of the people.
Wale blamed the government itself for the instability, urging them to take responsibility to address the issue, ensuring it doesn’t affect the nation in 2026.
Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele also raised similar concerns last year, noting that political instability has also contributed to low productivity in 2025.
In a recent interview with Insight, Wale responded to public perceptions that the no-confidence motions last year, which caused political instability, were instigated by the opposition.
He clarified that the no-confidence motions were instigated by government and must be dealt with by themselves, so it doesn’t affect the country this year.
“As everyone knows, we had two motions of no-confidence that were withdrawn, and these motions belonged to the government itself,” Wale said.
He said they were instigated within the government, and under some pressure, they were withdrawn.
Wale emphasized that the opposition was not behind the motions, and it is crucial for the public to understand that the responsibility lies with the government.
He stressed that the country cannot continue down this path, as political instability has already had a significant negative impact.
“My point is, we cannot continue like this because it is unfair to the people of Solomon Islands,” Wale said, because the government has not been able to deliver due to political instability
Wale called on Prime Minister Manele to make decisive actions to resolve the situation, rather than waiting for it to resolve itself.
He appealed to the government to fix the situation, because its unfair for the Solomon Islands if this kind of behaviour continues in 2026.

BY SAMIE WAIKORI
Leader of Opposition Matthew Wale has raised concern about the credibility of the 2026 budget, saying if revenue falls short, borrowing becomes the next option.
However, Wale stressed that any borrowing must be directed towards productive investments that can generate income to repay the loans.
Speaking recently on Insight, Wale said he has repeatedly urged the government in parliament not to fear borrowing.
“You would have heard that I have made the point repeatedly in Parliament, urging the government not to fear borrowing,” he said.
Wale emphasised that the productivity of government borrowing is critical, noting that while he supports borrowing, it must be tied to productive investments.
He said investments in agriculture, tourism, and fisheries would significantly benefit the economy, both by increasing gross domestic product and generating government revenue to service the debt.
However, Wale warned that clear implementation plans must be in place before any funds are borrowed.
He added that it is crucial to pre-plan the capacity of ministries and other stakeholders to implement projects and absorb the level of investment in a productive way.
“These are the areas that must be considered before borrowing. If done properly, it will have a positive impact on the economy,” he said.
Wale stressed that economic planning must look ahead 10 to 15 years and remain the focus of government policy.
He said it would be disappointing if the country continues repeating the same approaches of the past decade.
Wale warned that in 15 years’ time, the country’s population could reach close to 1.5 million, and life would become much harder if the government does not change the way it does things now.